motive 1 of 2

motive

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun motive contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of motive are goad, impulse, incentive, inducement, and spur. While all these words mean "a stimulus to action," motive implies an emotion or desire operating on the will and causing it to act.

a motive for the crime

In what contexts can goad take the place of motive?

The synonyms goad and motive are sometimes interchangeable, but goad suggests a motive that keeps one going against one's will or desire.

thought insecurity a goad to worker efficiency

When could impulse be used to replace motive?

The meanings of impulse and motive largely overlap; however, impulse suggests a driving power arising from personal temperament or constitution.

buying on impulse

When would incentive be a good substitute for motive?

The words incentive and motive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, incentive applies to an external influence (such as an expected reward) inciting to action.

a bonus was offered as an incentive

When is inducement a more appropriate choice than motive?

Although the words inducement and motive have much in common, inducement suggests a motive prompted by the deliberate enticements or allurements of another.

offered a watch as an inducement to subscribe

When might spur be a better fit than motive?

In some situations, the words spur and motive are roughly equivalent. However, spur applies to a motive that stimulates the faculties or increases energy or ardor.

fear was a spur to action

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of motive
Noun
But the shooting death of UnitedHealth executive Brian Thompson last December, which prosecutors allege was carried out by a gunman who was motived by insurance denials, unleashed a groundswell of public criticism of health insurers’ practices. Bertha Coombs, CNBC, 28 July 2025 Doug Leone, Sequoia 2011: #11 | 2025: #7 With a knack for understanding people and what motives them, Doug Leone landed a sales job at Sun Microsystems right out of college. Truebridge Capital, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Verb
My motive then had been to impress him with my good taste. Bee Wilson, Vogue, 15 Oct. 2025 Authorities believe the violence stemmed from a personal dispute, though the FBI said no final motive has been confirmed. Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for motive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motive
Noun
  • How self-reflection operates matters because it will always be needed to make wiser choices about our toughest challenges.
    Big Think, Big Think, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Investors, who ultimately approved the measure, were asked to vote on the matter a second time at Tesla’s annual shareholders meeting to demonstrate their backing for the plan.
    Kara Carlson, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Jasper runner model got a rose pink or mountain green colorway update, and is adorned with suede patchwork pegasus motifs and ponytail-like fringe details at the back, a nod to the upcoming year of the horse in the Chinese lunar calendar.
    Denni Hu, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025
  • By likening the world to a stage and seeing ourselves as the actors living on it, this meta motif — while classical in concept — resonates strongly as a universal theme for those of us living today.
    Billboard Japan, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • When looking for reasons the Nuggets will win a championship, Braun belongs high on the checklist.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Same reason Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki – who has emerged as the Dodgers’ surprise solution at closer – brought his talents here.
    Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau told local media that investigators believe the robbers, who carried out the raid in just seven minutes in broad daylight Sunday, may have been commissioned by a collector or purely motivated by the value of the jewels and precious metals, Reuters reported.
    Bonny Chu , Ronn Blitzer, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2025
  • According to the Standard report, Wiener’s decision to get in now was motivated by polling and energy surrounding another progressive Pelosi challenger, Saikat Chakrabarti.
    Kate Wolffe October 20, Sacbee.com, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Each track weaves together themes of resilience and triumph, forging a powerful connection with listeners who have faced their own adversities.
    Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Blending fictional stories with real historical figures and events, the show captures the promise and pain of the American dream, exploring themes of race, class and identity that continue to resonate decades later.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • If this was a novel, the heroes would be Joe Whebbe and Rhonda Paoli, his wife and partner in their design/renovation business, who’ve saved Kamman’s 300,000 books.
    Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The hydrogel’s design creates a huge challenge space.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Police said the case is pending and may be grounds for additional charges and university disciplinary action.
    Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2025
  • So, the King wanting them out of palace grounds makes sense, as that could solve two problems.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Setting it in one building also set off ah-ha moments.
    Carole Horst, Variety, 15 Oct. 2025
  • If enough satellites are in orbit, this debris could set off a chain reaction, rendering the environment around Earth practically impassable.
    Big Think, Big Think, 15 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Motive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motive. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on motive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!