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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of motives
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
28 June 2026
Covina City treasurer Neil Polzin said there is little financial benefit to the city if the battery facility is approved and openly questioned the motives of city leaders who may support it.
—
Tom Wait,
CBS News,
24 June 2026
Although Ashley had alleged things like malice, ill-will and improper motives by Adam, that still fell short of proving that Adam knew that his statements were false.
—
Jay Adkisson,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
Although the exact motives of the killing remain unclear, it was suggested that his death was connected to the own goal.
—
Andrew Pereira,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
18 June 2026
While a police spokesman told Polish news broadcaster TVN that the killers’ motives are unknown, Polish prime minister Donald Tusk said Wednesday that this was likely a political assassination, reports France24.
—
Brian Boucher,
ARTnews.com,
17 June 2026
Asked Tuesday about the arrest, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson declined to speculate on the motives of the person who burnt the cross.
—
Allison Kiehl,
Chicago Tribune,
16 June 2026
For it should not be up to the members of a public agency, or a court, to determine who can access public records nor to judge their motives.
—
Daniel Borenstein,
Mercury News,
16 June 2026
On top of doggedly tracking a serial killer whose murder spree started decades earlier, our shrewd heroine uncovers a tangled workplace conspiracy that's as sinister as her prime suspect's motives.
—
Matt Cabral,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 June 2026
Noun
No motives were released, and the NYPD said the investigation remains ongoing.
—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
28 June 2026
Covina City treasurer Neil Polzin said there is little financial benefit to the city if the battery facility is approved and openly questioned the motives of city leaders who may support it.
—
Tom Wait,
CBS News,
24 June 2026
Although Ashley had alleged things like malice, ill-will and improper motives by Adam, that still fell short of proving that Adam knew that his statements were false.
—
Jay Adkisson,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
Although the exact motives of the killing remain unclear, it was suggested that his death was connected to the own goal.
—
Andrew Pereira,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
18 June 2026
While a police spokesman told Polish news broadcaster TVN that the killers’ motives are unknown, Polish prime minister Donald Tusk said Wednesday that this was likely a political assassination, reports France24.
—
Brian Boucher,
ARTnews.com,
17 June 2026
Asked Tuesday about the arrest, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson declined to speculate on the motives of the person who burnt the cross.
—
Allison Kiehl,
Chicago Tribune,
16 June 2026
For it should not be up to the members of a public agency, or a court, to determine who can access public records nor to judge their motives.
—
Daniel Borenstein,
Mercury News,
16 June 2026
On top of doggedly tracking a serial killer whose murder spree started decades earlier, our shrewd heroine uncovers a tangled workplace conspiracy that's as sinister as her prime suspect's motives.
—
Matt Cabral,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motives
Noun
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More legal matters for Gateway The decision closes another legal door for Gateway Church following the resignation of Pastor Morris two years ago this month.
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To make matters worse, Ronaldo’s peers all thrived, as top goal-scorers such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland all scored multiple times in their opening matches.
Noun
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For those of us who had never considered this, Sans Visage serves as a striking and unexpected transmission from the other side—a Stockhausen-esque mood piece haunted by glassy piano motifs and musique concrète-style arrangement.
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The Oscar-winning actress’ dress was comprised of pink lace and featured semi-sheer fabric beneath the botanical motifs throughout the delicate material.
Noun
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Both Kurtz and Langeliers cited workload and the need for rest during the long Major League Baseball season as reasons for their lack of interest.
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Many areas have been exempted for a variety of reasons, including lots in hillside fire zones and lots in Historic Protection Overlay Zones.
Verb
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What motivates one person may block the next.
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In a broader reflection on his career evolution, Johnson explained what motivates him now.
Noun
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To be sure, Maher’s ready wit and spontaneous repartee as a talk show host were central themes for the parade of chums who praised the honoree.
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Those same themes also underpin Goldman's latest commodity outlook.
Noun
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Based on those figures, Honsal said 731 dogs remain unaccounted for.
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Kids will create origami figures, write wishes on them and hang them on bamboo.
Verb
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July 23 – August 22 Leo, your playful spark inspires teamwork now.
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SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.
Noun
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In recent months, Google DeepMind, Meta and Anthropic have begun to hire experts in psychology, philosophy and ethics in order to research the topics of machine consciousness and AI welfare.
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Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.
Cite this Entry
“Motives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motives. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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