ulterior motive

noun

: a secret reason
I think she has an ulterior motive for helping us.

Examples of ulterior motive in a Sentence

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When a mysterious billionaire named Owen Carver (Domhnall Gleeson) funds their mission, the brother-sister duo set their sights on accomplishing their goal, only to discover there's an ulterior motive at play. Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 23 May 2025 But there may have been an ulterior motive to Finch’s message. Anthony Slater, New York Times, 8 May 2025 Elton John had an ulterior motive for making his latest album, Who Believes in Angels?, a collaboration with his good friend Brandi Carlile. Melinda Newman, Billboard, 17 Apr. 2025 While this page supports fiscal responsibility and eliminating wasteful spending, the latest moves have an ulterior motive. Orlando Sentinel and Chicago Tribune Editorial Boards, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Apr. 2025 Declaring such a war with the hope that countries will capitulate is another roll of the dice – unless there is an ulterior motive. Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 11 Apr. 2025 And among the ensemble, the intrepid Hunter Cabot (Antonio Banderas) plays a local river guide whose support of the Browns is tainted by an ulterior motive. Natalia Winkelman, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025 Only, Nanette is unaware Walton has an ulterior motive. Megan McCluskey, Time, 11 Apr. 2025 The 5:1 ratio only works in conjunction with authentic goodwill—something that can only be developed organically, without ulterior motive. Mark Travers, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024

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“Ulterior motive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ulterior%20motive. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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