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

Investigators quickly discovered that Hollander’s motives may have centered around his lawsuits, online postings and manifestos that denounced feminism and promoted the men’s rights movement. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2026

However, their return to Britain has raised questions about their motives. — Christina Dugan Ramirez , Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026

Much of the frustration between generations boils down to a disagreement over methods rather than motives. — Kent Ingle, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2026

In her detective series, under the pen name Amanda Cross, an English professor solves murders whose motives include bad psychoanalysis, student riots, and biographers who know too much for their own good. — Merve Emre, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2026

Police said the motives for the altercation and shooting were unknown. — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026

Both shows make use of the parody defense, of course, that being the sly way for comedic artists to cash in on someone else’s intellectual property by insisting that their motives are honorably satirical. — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026

Instead of asking the right questions about the multiple possible motives in a mother who kills their children, the public is asking why there is even a trial in this case. — Dr. Susan Hatters Friedman, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026

As the investigation unfolded, what initially appeared to be a daring ransom scheme evolved into a complex story of obsession, deception, and unexpected motives. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026