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
Paul Tilsley, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2026
All of them have their own motives.
—Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
The scene is all talking, much of it of Lea in closeup, and it’s written and performed with wide-ranging awareness and complex motives and emotions.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
Unger, who lives in Clearwater, has a reputation for solid stand-alone thrillers that have landed on bestseller lists, with unusual plots and unconventional motives shrouded in dark-but-not-oppressive atmospheres.
—Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2026
Some have tried to shift the conversation to unrelated national political grievances or to accuse anyone raising these issues of bad motives.
—Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
In two of those cases, judges have also openly questioned the department's true motives for seeking the records.
—Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
The wealth tax backers have attacked the Hoover Institute’s motives.
—Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 25 Mar. 2026
Cardellini gets to play tough with Carol, whose motives remain a mystery for most of the series.
—Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 24 Mar. 2026
Noun
While Iran is not known to have any interests in Uganda, it has been accused of covert operations in neighboring Kenya and Tanzania, including the running of smuggling networks and making controversial diplomatic and economic outreach with questionable motives throughout the region.
—Paul Tilsley, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2026
All of them have their own motives.
—Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
The scene is all talking, much of it of Lea in closeup, and it’s written and performed with wide-ranging awareness and complex motives and emotions.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
Unger, who lives in Clearwater, has a reputation for solid stand-alone thrillers that have landed on bestseller lists, with unusual plots and unconventional motives shrouded in dark-but-not-oppressive atmospheres.
—Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2026
Some have tried to shift the conversation to unrelated national political grievances or to accuse anyone raising these issues of bad motives.
—Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
In two of those cases, judges have also openly questioned the department's true motives for seeking the records.
—Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
The wealth tax backers have attacked the Hoover Institute’s motives.
—Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 25 Mar. 2026
Cardellini gets to play tough with Carol, whose motives remain a mystery for most of the series.
—Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 24 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motives
Noun
-
But such is the risk-reward of attempting to get ahead of the game in such matters before cost increases.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
31 Mar. 2026
-
This is where d/acc’s democratic instinct matters.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
These motifs evolve into deeper explorations of aggression and subcultural aesthetics, dedicating space to his film Trash Humpers and the Shadow Fux paintings.—
Robert Lang,
Deadline,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The Singapore Botanical Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the world's great urban green spaces, inspired everything from the color palette (soft greens, aqua blues, natural wood tones) to the botanical motifs that appear in textiles and art throughout the property.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In this case, that blend of tradition and artistic interpretation resulted in a final product that stood out—if not entirely for the reasons the bride expected.—
Claire Dodds,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
-
One of the reasons American troops would be vulnerable on Kharg Island is its close proximity to the Iranian mainland, from which missiles, drones and artillery could be fired.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Not sure if Hafley meant more than an introduction, maybe an in-depth conversation, digging into topics like what motivates a player.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Ours is not to wonder what motivates him to keep rolling at spooky full speed, but to listen to what the man sings, and to hope to keep winning the lottery.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In addition to the themes Common Sense Media highlights, the Trigger Warning Database's list also includes potentially triggering events or themes, like drugging, avalanches, poverty and more.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The stylistic decision aligns the song’s themes with Taylor’s legacy, drawing parallels between old Hollywood glamour and modern celebrity culture.—
Claire Dodds,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The ceiling is decorated with representations of Italian coins from the Etruscans to the early 20th century, the floor consists of colorful geometric mosaics, and gazing down on the scene are busts of various iconic Italian figures, from Marco Polo to Alessandro Volta.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The decision drew immediate fire from El-Sayed's primary opponents and national Democratic figures, forcing a rare public reckoning over how far the party should go to recapture young men who abandoned it in record numbers in 2024.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.—
Daniel McFadin,
Arkansas Online,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Nacua was one of several topics McVay addressed during a 30-minute session with reporters.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Both involve reshaping old patterns inherited from forebears (literary, familial) in an effort to form new ones.—
Giles Harvey,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The Leo moon disturbs unconscious patterns that are ready to be interrupted.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Motives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motives. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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