motive
noun
, sense 2 is also mō-ˈtēv
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Definition of motive
(Entry 1 of 3)
motive
adjective
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Definition of motive (Entry 2 of 3)
motive
verb
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Definition of motive (Entry 3 of 3)
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Other Words from motive
Noun
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adjective
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adjective
Synonyms for motive
Synonyms: Noun
content, matter, motif, question, subject, theme, topic
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Examples of motive in a Sentence
Noun
Their motive in running away was to avoid being punished. I think he's guilty of the crime. He had the motive, the means, and the opportunity. She denied that her offer to help was based on selfish motives.
Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
Officials did not immediately identify the suspect and were investigating a possible a motive for the attack. — Paulina Dedaj, Fox News, "New York City woman stabs five, including three newborns, at unlicensed daycare center," 21 Sep. 2018 The motive is always do no harm; your job is to tell the truth, and document what’s happening. — Michon Boston, New York Times, "A Director Looks for Beauty in Her Home’s Opioid Struggle," 29 June 2018 Bruchey said deputies are still investigating a possible motive. — David Harris, OrlandoSentinel.com, "15-year-old boy beaten to death with baseball bat in Polk County, deputies say," 20 Mar. 2018 Police are investigating a motive and any possible relationship with the gunman and the victims. — Essence.com, "A Maryland High School Just Experienced A Shooting Less Than A Week After A National Gun Violence Walk Out," 20 Mar. 2018 President Trump has made reducing refugee admissions a key focus since taking office, citing national security concerns as the primary motive. — Jessica Donati, WSJ, "U.S. to Cap Refugee Admissions at 30,000 in 2019, Pompeo Says," 17 Sep. 2018 Police did not disclose a motive for the violent killings or say what was taken during the robbery. — Robert Moran, Philly.com, "Woman arrested in beating deaths of mother, grandmother in Ventnor," 11 July 2018 Chris Bergner said homophobia has not come up as a motive in the investigation. — Richard Winton, latimes.com, "Sheriff's investigators arrest mother's boyfriend in death of 10-year-old Lancaster boy," 28 June 2018 The two players also claimed reasonable cause as the motive behind this decision. — SI.com, "The Exodus Continues: Rodrigo Battaglia Becomes Latest Player to Terminate Contract With Sporting CP," 14 June 2018Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective
Two days after the shooting Micah Johnson found motive to ambush police office in Dallas during a peaceful protest. — Mark Berman, Washington Post, "Baton Rouge police release video showing fatal shooting of Alton Sterling, plan to fire one officer," 30 Mar. 2018 Detectives have not motive or suspects in the killings. — Michelle Hunter, NOLA.com, "Family to hold vigil Wednesday for Marrero double murder victim," 25 Oct. 2017 They were not identified, and no suspect or motive information was released. — baltimoresun.com, "2 teens shot in Northeast Baltimore," 29 Aug. 2017 On the Transit, defective flexible coupling could cause separation of the drive shaft, cutting off motive power, causing the vehicle to move while parked or damaging surrounding parts. — Nathan Bomey, USA TODAY, "Ford Transit recalled: Drive shaft defect costs $142 million," 28 June 2017 Dale’s absence and the threat of visitors in my home gave me motive and opportunity to clean. — Gayle Carline, Orange County Register, "What a Day: It’s never too early for spring cleaning," 20 Jan. 2017Recent Examples on the Web: Verb
Police did not immediately offer information as to motive or suspect description. — Keri Blakinger, Houston Chronicle, "Man beaten, stabbed after argument in Alief," 21 Jan. 2018 Of course, with all reports like this, speculation as to motive for such stories must be questioned. — Mark Heim, AL.com, "Penn State preparing for Texas A&M to make run at James Franklin, per report," 12 Oct. 2017 My photography is first and foremost a catalyst or reason to motive human action. — Olivier Laurent, Time, "Why We Do It: Photographers and Photo Editors on the Passion That Drives Their Work," 30 June 2017These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'motive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for motive
motive
noun
English Language Learners Definition of motive
(Entry 1 of 2)
motive
adjective
English Language Learners Definition of motive (Entry 2 of 2)
See the full definition for motive in the English Language Learners Dictionary
motive
noun
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Kids Definition of motive
(Entry 1 of 2)
motive
adjectiveKids Definition of motive (Entry 2 of 2)
motive
noun
\
Medical Definition of motive
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motive
nounLegal Definition of motive
Note: Motive is distinguished from intent or mens rea. Although motive is not an element of a crime, evidence of motive can be introduced to help establish intent.
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