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motive

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of motive

1 a major object of interest or concern (as in a discussion or artistic composition)

  • the principal motive of the piece was introduced in the flute section
Synonyms of motive

content, matter, motif, question, subject, theme, topic
Words Related to motive

subject matter

talking point

count, idea, point, purpose

consideration, issue, problem

body, bulk, burden, centerpiece, core, crux, essence, fundamental, generality, gist, grist, heart, kernel, keynote, main, marrow, mass, net, nub, nubbin, nucleus, pith, pivot, purport, quick, staple, substance, sum

basis

bottom, essential, essentiality

affair, argument, debate
Near Antonyms of motive

aside, digression, excursion, interjection, parenthesis, tangent

2 a unit of decoration that is repeated all over something (as a fabric)

  • decorated with a paisley motive
Synonyms of motive

design, figure, motif, pattern
Words Related to motive

scheme

device

adornment, caparison, decoration, embellishment, frill, garnish, ornament, trim

3 something (as a belief) that serves as the basis for another thing

  • the detective felt that the first suspect didnʼt have any motive for committing the crime
Synonyms of motive

account, authority, grounds, reason, subject, wherefore, why
Words Related to motive

antecedent, cause, consideration, impetus, incentive, inspiration, instigation, occasion, stimulus

Synonym Discussion of motive

motive, impulse, incentive, inducement, spur, goad 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
impulse suggests a driving power arising from personal temperament or constitution.
    • buying on impulse
incentive applies to an external influence (such as an expected reward) inciting to action.
    • a bonus was offered as an incentive
inducement suggests a motive prompted by the deliberate enticements or allurements of another.
    • offered a watch as an inducement to subscribe
spur applies to a motive that stimulates the faculties or increases energy or ardor.
    • fear was a spur to action
goad suggests a motive that keeps one going against one's will or desire.
    • thought insecurity a goad to worker efficiency

Learn More about motive

  1. See words that rhyme with motive Dictionary: Definition of motive Medical Dictionary: Definition of motive Spanish Central: Translation of motive Nglish: Translation of motive for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of motive for Arabic speakers

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