motive 1 of 2

motive

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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
Evidence found at the scene showed Lopez had fired multiple gunshots, but officials didn’t specify his motive, deputies said. Paloma Chavez, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2025 Police have not disclosed a motive or the specific details of the online threat. Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for motive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motive
Noun
  • In recent discussions with NBC, YouTube TV, part of Google parent Alphabet, has sought terms that the broadcaster felt were markedly better than those already negotiated with other carriers, according to a person familiar with the matter.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Labels matter Security analysts say the situation in Haiti continues to defy clear international legal characterization and the choice of labels – crisis, armed conflict, gangs, terrorist groups, armed groups, criminal groups, insurgents – carries significant legal and humanitarian implications.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Presley opted to continue the ethereal white motif.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Street artist James Goldcrown used his signature Bleeding Hearts motif to evoke, perhaps, that time is love.
    Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • There are a few reasons for this.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Trump has leaned heavily on the courts during his second term to challenge media outlets, but as of Wednesday night, the president’s legal team has not brought a new lawsuit against ABC, for predictable reasons, according to experts.
    Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Guardians manager Stephen Vogt wanted to motivate his second baseman, sure.
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Law enforcement officials have not yet said what motivated Sanford.
    Niraj Warikoo, Freep.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The theme was naturally mirrored behind-the-scenes, where the young cast quickly bonded and turned their traumatic on-screen experiences into Canadian summer camp with the cameras off.
    Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Mascots usually represent the themes of the city’s character.
    Marc Williams, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Nonetheless, Lloyd's production is handsomely realized, with striking silhouetttes courtesy of Jon Clark and unnerving sound design by Ben and Max Ringham, who add a low whirr of dread to the existential fable.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
  • But our design principle has always been trying to avoid accidents as much as possible.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Failure to provide additional information or consents will be grounds for disqualification, unless prohibited under applicable law.
    Time, Time, 29 Sep. 2025
  • According to court documents, the suspect used his phone on school grounds at least once, on video.
    Michael Ruiz , Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Investors and journalists regularly parse his press conferences for hints about upcoming rate cuts or hikes, trying to get ahead of the market; even the suggestion of a pause or a pivot can set off rallies or selloffs on Wall Street.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Motive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motive. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.

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