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

This changes the attention from the antisemitic conduct to the motives of the people speaking out. — Kenneth L. Marcus, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 2026

Hansen has maintained that his journalistic objective was to try to interview the men in order to understand their motives, but there was an undeniable, if also dark, schadenfreude in watching the titular predators be exposed to millions. — David MacK, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2026

The memo also raised concerns about ties between board members and CMS contractors, political involvement of CMS representatives and the motives behind the board’s investigation of Hill. — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 23 Sep. 2026

But the people interviewing Kaepernick aren't going to question his motives. — Matt Calkins Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026

The murder complaint also accuses Baier of repeatedly lying to investigators about his alibis, possible motives and Ruland’s whereabouts, according to WBAY. — Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2026

By 2008, everyone had grown a lot more suspicious about Washington’s motives for its Global War on Terrorism. — Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026

Anthony Kazmierczak, 56, also received three years of supervised release with orders to avoid contact with Omar, after admitting the assault but struggling to explain his motives. — Tim Sullivan, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

Representative Leach took issue with the characterization of his client's motives. — Andrea Lucia, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026