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
Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Even after the narrator finds Moon, her motives remain obscure.
—Erin Somers, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
The investigation into the motives behind Neves-Valente’s acts will continue.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 6 Jan. 2026
Investigation into the suspect's motives is ongoing.
—Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 6 Jan. 2026
However impressively efficient the American strike may have been, the president’s motives have been muddled.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 5 Jan. 2026
Police have declined to share additional information, including potential suspects or motives for the shooting.
—Jamie Landers, Dallas Morning News, 5 Jan. 2026
The stress of medical exams plus mysterious magic and motives to uncover…!
—Literary Hub, 2 Jan. 2026
Dokoupil is taking the network anchor chair at a time of intense scrutiny over Weiss and the motives of new Paramount CEO David Ellison.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 2 Jan. 2026
Noun
Thus, over time, Williams gained appreciation for Johnson’s motives, for his communication style, most of all for his consistency.
—Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Even after the narrator finds Moon, her motives remain obscure.
—Erin Somers, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
The investigation into the motives behind Neves-Valente’s acts will continue.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 6 Jan. 2026
Investigation into the suspect's motives is ongoing.
—Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 6 Jan. 2026
However impressively efficient the American strike may have been, the president’s motives have been muddled.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 5 Jan. 2026
Police have declined to share additional information, including potential suspects or motives for the shooting.
—Jamie Landers, Dallas Morning News, 5 Jan. 2026
The stress of medical exams plus mysterious magic and motives to uncover…!
—Literary Hub, 2 Jan. 2026
Dokoupil is taking the network anchor chair at a time of intense scrutiny over Weiss and the motives of new Paramount CEO David Ellison.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 2 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motives
Noun
-
Capable would-be leaders explain themselves, especially on matters affecting their constitutional qualifications.—
Robert Steinbuch,
Arkansas Online,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Masoud Pezeshkian was elected president in 2024, promoting a more pragmatic foreign policy, but his powers are limited, and Khamenei calls the shots on all major matters of state.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Per its Sotheby's auction listing, scrolls of diamonds are interrupted by sparkling floral motifs, while a romantic heart emblem sits at the center.—
Bailey Bujnosek,
InStyle,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Enter Puma’s current Egypt kit, which features ‘motifs of sphinx, pyramids, and sand dunes’.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Why Atlas stood out at CES 2026 CNET pointed to Atlas’ humanlike walking ability and refined industrial design as key reasons for the award.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Jan. 2026
-
If the reasons behind an expense feel fuzzy, analyze the details and ask for a clear summary, because precise information turns hesitation into a calm, confident decision.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
After that, Jupiter in your sixth house of wellness until summer 2027 motivates you to bring more elevated athleisure into your regular rotation, as you’ll be more fired up to take steps to boost your vitality.—
Maressa Brown,
InStyle,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Many survivors say hope for the future is the one thing that motivates them.—
Melissa Gomez,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Ittaps into themes of toxic masculinity and unveils the impact social media has on young people.—
Yamillah Hurtado,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
-
The film is an absolute riot, a no-bones-about-it horror flick heightened by powerful music, confident performances, and rich, resonant themes regarding cultural assimilation.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Western counterparts often acknowledge them privately, even as public backlash from some European institutions and media figures ensued against Rubio’s candor.—
Daniel Ross Goodman,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The Mean Green’s best football season ever wasn’t even over before the major figures from that team left, or announced their intentions to bounce ASAP; when the season did end, moments after UNT defeated San Diego State to win the New Mexico Bowl, is when the great Denton flood began.—
Mac Engel
January 9,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Bryant Jonesboro Basketball Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.—
Erick Taylor,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Here are Pereira’s thoughts on several topics, edited for clarity and brevity.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Aside from tying elements in a room together, rugs also allow homeowners to experiment with bolder patterns and geometries—without committing to a permanent wall treatment.—
Sophie Aliece Hollis,
Martha Stewart,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The researchers stressed that the findings relate to long-term eating patterns rather than occasional indulgent meals.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Motives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motives. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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