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

Her motives apparently range from a desire to save the country to unabashed, petty vindictiveness; the two often overlap. —Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025

While some framed their redistricting actions as a response to federal scrutiny, others pointed to openly partisan motives. —Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 8 Nov. 2025

This transit can also expose hidden motives in relationships, financial entanglements and even regarding our sense of self-worth. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025

Lynch, in his ninth season as general manager, defended the 49ers’ trade-deadline motives by pointing to his four earlier trades, from Huff’s arrival in June to White’s acquisition last week. —Cam Inman, Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2025

Musk’s motives are not hard to discern. —Damon Beres, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2025

There are much worse motives for being on a reality show. —Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 5 Nov. 2025

His motives and his conduct have earned these federal charges. —Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Nov. 2025

But the secrecy around the case has fueled speculation about the motives behind his arrest. —Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2025