Synonyms of motives

motives 1 of 2

noun

plural of motive

1

as in matters

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 & Similar Words

• matters
• themes
• topics
• motifs
• questions
• subjects
• contents
• ideas
• essences
• purposes
• issues
• problems
• considerations
• hearts
• substances
• subject matters
• masses
• counts
• fundamentals
• bodies
• cores
• arguments
• bases
• points
• burdens
• mains
• generalities
• affairs
• sums
• staples
• pivots
• essentials
• talking points
• nuclei
• kernels
• debates
• nets
• gists
• piths
• bulks
• essentialities
• purports
• centerpieces
• cruxes
• grists
• bottoms
• keynotes
• marrows
• nubs
• quicks
• nubbins

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• parentheses
• excursions
• tangents
• asides
• digressions
• interjections

2

as in motifs

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

decorated with a paisley motive

Synonyms & Similar Words

• motifs
• figures
• patterns
• designs
• ornaments
• decorations
• devices
• schemes
• adornments
• embellishments
• trims
• garnishes
• frills
• caparisons

3

as in reasons

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

the detective felt that the first suspect didn't have any motive for committing the crime

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reasons
• subjects
• grounds
• authorities
• causes
• whys
• considerations
• incentives
• accounts
• wherefores
• antecedents
• stimuli
• impetuses
• inspirations
• occasions
• instigations

motives

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of motive

as in motivates

Related Words

• motivates
• keys (up)
• inspires
• animates
• fans
• sets off
• energizes
• triggers
• drives
• activates
• induces
• vitalizes
• galvanizes
• quickens
• inflames
• ignites
• kindles
• arouses
• ferments
• provokes
• foments
• incites
• pumps up
• stimulates
• whips (up)
• encourages
• excites
• abets
• impassions
• sparks
• stirs
• angers
• piques
• fires (up)
• moves
• instigates
• raises
• upsets
• enrages
• maddens
• taunts
• revs (up)
• teases
• exasperates
• bothers
• irritates
• vexes
• aggravates
• annoys
• jeers
• galls
• gets

Dissimilar Words

• soothes
• calms
• subdues
• appeases
• tranquilizes
• placates
• pacifies
• mollifies

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of motives

Noun

Hicks said detectives are working to determine Williams' motives, and said the suspect's family was cooperating fully with law enforcement. — ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026

The notes could also provide insight into the author’s mindset, motives and how their tone changed over time — and provide a new lead that could help bring authorities closer to finding Guthrie. — Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 1 Aug. 2026

Featuring interviews with Goncalves’ brother, close friends of the victims and legal experts, the film explores the investigation while examining possible motives behind the killings. — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026

McCusker and Marquise, the closest thing this shifting and sprawling ensemble has to main characters, are allowed barely any room to be individuals with their own motives or personalities. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026

Spain attacked Cunningham’s character, motives, upbringing, family, friends and ability to care about anyone other than herself. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026

The governor's office hasn't responded to a request for comment from USA TODAY about the allegations of political motives. — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 29 July 2026

But Crown’s true motives are to return precious stolen or sold artifacts to their rightful creators. — Mya Copeland, Variety, 29 July 2026

Assessing the real motives and intentions of the regime in Tehran is difficult. — James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026