1
as in themes
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of motives
Matthew Hutson, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2025
Authorities, meanwhile, have not disclosed any information about the suspect's identity, possible motives, or the victims' identities.
—Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
Ideological skirmishes over the motives and obligations of Carpenter’s music include both sincere interrogation of its feminism and smirking counteractive reprisals to that scrutiny.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025
Meursault acquiesces but with a casually brutal frankness as to his motives, which have nothing to do with love.
—Jessica Kiang, Variety, 2 Sep. 2025
Picture concentric circles, with behavior and identity on the outer ring—most visible and easiest to adjust—and motives at the bullseye, often invisible even to leaders themselves.
—Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
No clear answers When shooters are taken into custody and agree to talk about their crimes, their motives can be even murkier.
—Ernesto Londoño, Twin Cities, 1 Sep. 2025
His motives seemed as vile as his actions.
—Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2025
Authorities this week would not speculate about Radford’s motives.
—Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2025
Verb
Coming up with an answer forces us to speculate about alien motives.
—Matthew Hutson, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2025
Authorities, meanwhile, have not disclosed any information about the suspect's identity, possible motives, or the victims' identities.
—Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
Ideological skirmishes over the motives and obligations of Carpenter’s music include both sincere interrogation of its feminism and smirking counteractive reprisals to that scrutiny.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025
Meursault acquiesces but with a casually brutal frankness as to his motives, which have nothing to do with love.
—Jessica Kiang, Variety, 2 Sep. 2025
Picture concentric circles, with behavior and identity on the outer ring—most visible and easiest to adjust—and motives at the bullseye, often invisible even to leaders themselves.
—Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
No clear answers When shooters are taken into custody and agree to talk about their crimes, their motives can be even murkier.
—Ernesto Londoño, Twin Cities, 1 Sep. 2025
His motives seemed as vile as his actions.
—Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2025
Authorities this week would not speculate about Radford’s motives.
—Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motives
Noun
-
On Saturday night, after the audience of the Royal Alexandra Theatre roared in a standing ovation for Fraser and his director, Hikari (Beef, 37 Seconds), the star became visibly choked up talking about the themes of Rental Family.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Also, different areas often had a multi period perspective and themes were carried across courses to connect the dots.—
Shivaram Rajgopal,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Loloi x Magnolia Home Sinclair Collection Area Rug Perfect for tying the entire room together, this area rug has antique motifs, subtle distressing details, and neutral shades of taupe that go with all kinds of hues.—
Mia Huelsbeck,
PEOPLE,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Adams’ works celebrated the color and movement through vibrant geometric styles; Shrigley brought forth wit and humor through banana motifs and Stewart leaned into a trippy take on optimism through Pop-Surrealist florals.—
Emily Mercer,
Footwear News,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Trump claimed without evidence that McEntarfer had manipulated statistics for political reasons.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Housing is one of the reasons anyone in tech will tell you that the industry is thriving in California largely in spite of regulations, not because of them.—
Reed Albergotti,
semafor.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
At 78 years old and with so many achievements in your life, what motivates you to keep working?—
Tere Aguilera,
Billboard,
4 Sep. 2025
-
In fact, this kind of reward motivates people even more than larger, one-off incentives.—
Aytekin Tank,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
With a newfound momentum, Catlin took matters into his own hands, bringing a recovered fumble to Timberview’s 13-yard line; the Raiders couldn’t capitalize, settling for a 25-yard field goal attempt that went off the right upright.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Dale Ellis covers the federal courthouse beat for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, reporting on criminal and civil matters that impact Arkansans.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Her comments come as Democrats face a leadership crossroads in Washington, with long-serving figures under scrutiny and younger candidates pushing for change.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Plenty of timepiece brands increased their prices, too, in response to those initial tariff figures back in April, according to Hodinkee.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The concept touches on many of the topics driving political debate across the United States, from criminal justice reform and diversity, equity, and inclusion to affirmative action and immigration.—
John Scott Lewinski,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Sep. 2025
-
The club’s managing director faced the media within 24 hours of Monday’s 7pm deadline, with no topics off the table.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Tropical weather experts at Colorado State University echo these predictions, saying overall atmospheric conditions, including wind patterns, will shift in a manner that supports a notable increase in activity.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
10 Sep. 2025
-
This year, with supply hewing closely to typical seasonal patterns, expect the usual post-summer wave of new inventory to arrive.—
John Walkup,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Motives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motives. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share