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

His motives are not entirely clear, and his biography is unplumbed. — E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026

Investigators are considering different possible motives, including criminal feuds, retaliation and a business dispute. — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026

Exes and old flames may resurface for a dalliance, even if their motives seem questionable. — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2026

Flydubai airline said the motives behind the incident were unknown and remain subject to a formal investigation. — Aya Batrawy, NPR, 30 Sep. 2026

Continue reading … CROWN CONFUSION — Royal family unclear of Harry and Meghan’s motives as ‘frustration’ lingers. — FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026

This changes the attention from the antisemitic conduct to the motives of the people speaking out. — Kenneth L. Marcus, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 2026

The memo also raised concerns about ties between board members and CMS contractors, political involvement of CMS representatives and the motives behind the board’s investigation of Hill. — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 23 Sep. 2026

The murder complaint also accuses Baier of repeatedly lying to investigators about his alibis, possible motives and Ruland’s whereabouts, according to WBAY. — Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2026