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
Nick Wooten, Dallas Morning News, 21 Feb. 2026
Since the start of the month, calls have poured into the church, calling for Ruby’s death and touting conspiracy theories about his motives.
—Caitlin Hu, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026
What the files do seem to confirm, though, is the conspiracy theorist’s view of an elite stratosphere, where normal rules don’t apply, everyone knows each other, and ideological differences are subsumed to self-interested motives.
—The Week Uk, TheWeek, 14 Feb. 2026
This is a political tactic of the most crude sort, making no effort to refute an argument but to instead impugn the motives of those making it, along with the assumption that people with white skin can always and forever have only suspect motives.
—Bradley Gitz, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026
Nobody has any other worries, any other motives, anything else going on.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
There are selfish motives as Hawk is also secretly trying to track down whoever is blackmailing him.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
Again, the value lies in confirming timelines, not speculating motives.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Detectives are still trying to determine motives in the killings and trying to figure out if the suspect is someone who is upset with homeless people being in that area, or if drugs or gangs may be involved, sources told KABC.
—Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
Kingston criticized developers wanting to tear down City Hall and remake the area, questioning both their track record and their motives.
—Nick Wooten, Dallas Morning News, 21 Feb. 2026
Since the start of the month, calls have poured into the church, calling for Ruby’s death and touting conspiracy theories about his motives.
—Caitlin Hu, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026
What the files do seem to confirm, though, is the conspiracy theorist’s view of an elite stratosphere, where normal rules don’t apply, everyone knows each other, and ideological differences are subsumed to self-interested motives.
—The Week Uk, TheWeek, 14 Feb. 2026
This is a political tactic of the most crude sort, making no effort to refute an argument but to instead impugn the motives of those making it, along with the assumption that people with white skin can always and forever have only suspect motives.
—Bradley Gitz, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026
Nobody has any other worries, any other motives, anything else going on.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
There are selfish motives as Hawk is also secretly trying to track down whoever is blackmailing him.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
Again, the value lies in confirming timelines, not speculating motives.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Detectives are still trying to determine motives in the killings and trying to figure out if the suspect is someone who is upset with homeless people being in that area, or if drugs or gangs may be involved, sources told KABC.
—Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 4 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motives
Noun
-
One of the defendants, Benjamin Song, a 32-year-old former Marine Corps reservist who associates described to authorities as a cult-like ringleader who opposes the government on immigration enforcement and on other matters, shot Alvarado Police Department Lt.—
Emerson Clarridge
Updated February 17,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
18 Feb. 2026
-
The person asked to have their name withheld because they were not authorized to speak to the media about administrative matters.—
Jaweed Kaleem,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
While the weight and material of the set is noteworthy, the beautiful matelassé-style pattern—complete with floral motifs and geometric designs—adds a sophisticated touch to any space.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Anchored by a 56-foot indoor heated pool, the spa is framed in soft lighting with mirrors and custom ceramic interiors etched with mountain motifs.—
Lane Nieset,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Every nation, every culture, really has its own reasons for commemorating the past.—
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
16 Feb. 2026
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Denver officials cited national media attention and tourism in Green Mountain Falls as reasons for downtown Denver to embrace the sculptures.—
John Wenzel,
Denver Post,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Reflect on what truly motivates you while Mercury and Jupiter align.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
16 Feb. 2026
-
All these cues are reminders of a source of reward, and that causes the release of dopamine in anticipation of pleasure, which motivates me into taking action.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
For Murakami, the exhibition marks a philosophical return to concrete artistic themes after a period of feeling untethered from a meaningful movement.—
Jessica Gelt,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
-
The concert will explore themes of family, tradition and unity through lively orchestral music with a handful of special guests.—
Ashley Opina,
Twin Cities,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The committee’s creation is the latest call for transparency and further investigation in the aftermath of the Justice Department’s release of a trove of Epstein files, which has sent shockwaves through several industries after revelations about the late financier’s ties to prominent figures.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
18 Feb. 2026
-
One of China’s most influential cultural figures, Wang is not simply a celebrity endorsement but occupies a rare position at the intersection of youth identity, entertainment, and fashion authority.—
Yiling Pan,
Vogue,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Last week, Kodak posted a 10-minute video that between YouTube and TikTok has racked up around 1 million views, in which Coogler makes complex topics like aspect ratios, film formats and sound design accessible and fun.—
Quincy Bowie,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Floral mosaic patterns abound on the walls; Dyson hair tools are at your fingertips.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Coming in the heart of awards season, the ceremony could provide further clues about academy voting patterns ahead of the Oscars on March 15.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
22 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Motives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motives. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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