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

Details about potential motives for the attack were not immediately released. — Kevin Shalvey, ABC News, 26 July 2026

Trouble is, the place is haunted by racist ghosts (Stranger Things’ Brett Gelman and Ari Dayan) with dark motives of their own. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 24 July 2026

Trump has repeatedly said the projects are part of a push to make Washington DC beautiful again, but only 26% of people polled believe those are his true motives. — Mike Stunson, USA Today, 24 July 2026

There's no cure for the species of Ebola circulating, and some locals have attacked health workers, suspicious of their motives. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 21 July 2026

Had those industries spoken plainly about the dangers of their products, their motives would rightly have been scrutinized—but the candor itself would have been preferable to years of deceit. — Harry Booth, Time, 17 July 2026

Homer depicts a strange and troubling world, in which human existence is continuously subject to the deliberations and whims of deities who have motives of their own. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 July 2026

Bad motives are easy to find Sometimes ungenerous motives can help people to be generous. — Mark Schroeder, The Conversation, 15 July 2026

The murders of Cox and Amess were propelled by very different motives from each other. — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 14 July 2026