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
Emily Longeretta, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026
But despite the parity, parents’ motives and methods often vary.
—Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
Last winter, the college had its first major fight with people who were suspicious of its motives.
—Emma Green, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
Another user on Threads claims Witherspoon has other motives.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026
Despite those opinions being public and stated for some time, selling them internally at the Fed may be harder owing to heightened skepticism about his motives.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2026
The specialist and sometimes forger Lori (Coel) has other motives.
—Lindsey Bahr, Boston Herald, 16 Apr. 2026
So far, police have not revealed the suspect's identity or motives.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 10 Apr. 2026
Police said the investigation is ongoing and did not provide any information about suspects or potential motives.
—Cbs News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026
Noun
Her motives were really very sincere.
—Emily Longeretta, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026
But despite the parity, parents’ motives and methods often vary.
—Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
Last winter, the college had its first major fight with people who were suspicious of its motives.
—Emma Green, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
Another user on Threads claims Witherspoon has other motives.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026
Despite those opinions being public and stated for some time, selling them internally at the Fed may be harder owing to heightened skepticism about his motives.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2026
The specialist and sometimes forger Lori (Coel) has other motives.
—Lindsey Bahr, Boston Herald, 16 Apr. 2026
So far, police have not revealed the suspect's identity or motives.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 10 Apr. 2026
Police said the investigation is ongoing and did not provide any information about suspects or potential motives.
—Cbs News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motives
Noun
-
What does rankle, however, is that that by glossing over such matters, the final film has been mostly stripped of any humanity, good and bad.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Fed officials are not entitled to the same special deference in their stewardship of public monies…or in bank regulatory and supervisory policy…or in areas affecting international finance, among other matters.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Above you, the luminous gold ceiling stretches like a floating carpet of intricate diamond motifs.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Dec-aura points are the decor version—the design, decoration, and styling motifs that elevate a space into something undeniably chic, magnetic, and inviting.—
Katherine McLaughlin,
Architectural Digest,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In addition to the restricted access to the villages, Adraee warned against moving south of another 21 villages in the area for safety reasons.—
Will Clark,
NBC news,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Overall, the reasons for the decline are still debated.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Amid all their attacks and counter-attacks, what motivates each aggrieved party comes to light, painting a rich, empathetic portrait of lives lived under immense pressure — and the illogical outlets that sometimes become our only means of relief.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Reflecting on what motivates continued engagement, Wilbur offers a perspective grounded in impact rather than immediacy.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The effort to subtly incorporate climate themes into games echoes similar initiatives in film and TV.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Apr. 2026
-
As usual, Bey’s lyrics touch on heavy themes without pressing on them.—
Jayson Greene,
Pitchfork,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
While many departures could be precautionary rather than permanent, the figures point to a rupture in what had been a steady migration from Britain to the Gulf.—
Emma Graham,Sawdah Bhaimiya,
CNBC,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The recent figures don’t represent a retreat for the sector; on the contrary, 2025 was a record year for climate fund closes.—
Natasha Bracken,
semafor.com,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In Iowa, an appellate court ruled earlier this month that the state can enforce a law that limits teachers from talking about LGBTQ+ topics with students in kindergarten through the sixth grade and bans some books.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Privacy and ethics while matching data with locations were hot topics during Friday’s panel discussion on GIS technology and uses.—
Doug Ross,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The high school baseball season tends to have a slower start due to inconsistent weather patterns in April, and then picks up in intensity around mid-May.—
Jack Murray,
Boston Herald,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Democrats face an optimistic midterm outlook based on historical patterns showing the party out of power gains substantial House seats and Trump’s approval rating hovering around 40%, well below the 50% threshold that portends political trouble for a president’s party.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Motives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motives. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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