Synonyms of motives

motives 1 of 2

noun

plural of motive

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

• matters
• themes
• topics
• motifs
• questions
• subjects
• contents
• ideas
• essences
• purposes
• issues
• problems
• considerations
• hearts
• substances
• subject matters
• masses
• counts
• fundamentals
• bodies
• cores
• arguments
• bases
• points
• burdens
• mains
• generalities
• affairs
• sums
• staples
• pivots
• essentials
• talking points
• nuclei
• kernels
• debates
• nets
• gists
• piths
• bulks
• essentialities
• purports
• centerpieces
• cruxes
• grists
• bottoms
• keynotes
• marrows
• nubs
• quicks
• nubbins

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• parentheses
• excursions
• tangents
• asides
• digressions
• interjections

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

• motifs
• figures
• patterns
• designs
• ornaments
• decorations
• devices
• schemes
• adornments
• embellishments
• trims
• garnishes
• frills
• caparisons

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

• reasons
• subjects
• grounds
• authorities
• causes
• whys
• considerations
• incentives
• accounts
• wherefores
• antecedents
• stimuli
• impetuses
• inspirations
• occasions
• instigations

motives

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of motive

as in motivates

Related Words

• motivates
• keys (up)
• inspires
• animates
• fans
• sets off
• energizes
• triggers
• drives
• activates
• induces
• vitalizes
• galvanizes
• quickens
• inflames
• ignites
• kindles
• arouses
• ferments
• provokes
• foments
• incites
• pumps up
• stimulates
• whips (up)
• encourages
• excites
• abets
• impassions
• sparks
• stirs
• angers
• piques
• fires (up)
• moves
• instigates
• raises
• upsets
• enrages
• maddens
• taunts
• revs (up)
• teases
• exasperates
• bothers
• irritates
• vexes
• aggravates
• annoys
• jeers
• galls
• gets

Dissimilar Words

• soothes
• calms
• subdues
• appeases
• tranquilizes
• placates
• pacifies
• mollifies

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of motives

Noun

In the three-part docuseries (now streaming on Netflix), Berlinger challenges claims that Manson’s motives behind the killings weren’t to start a race war. — Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026

His opinion argues that courts, even when trying to determine whether a President’s act was official or unofficial, cannot inquire into motives. — Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026

Nobody’s motives seem 100 percent pure in Monsters of God, self-assessments notwithstanding. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 Aug. 2026

The internet backlash was swift, calling out the event as a ridiculous expense and calling into question OpenAI's motives. — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026

As in seasons past, episodes will explore the motives potentially lying behind the accused’s madness. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 4 Aug. 2026

Basically, men are now wearing the type of sunglasses women have been wearing for years—great big oval shades which cover their face as well as their motives. — Dylan Jones, Robb Report, 3 Aug. 2026

Hicks said detectives are working to determine Williams' motives, and said the suspect's family was cooperating fully with law enforcement. — ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026

Hicks said detectives were working to determine Williams’ motives, and said the suspect’s family was cooperating with law enforcement. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026