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
Samantha Bergeson, Time, 6 Mar. 2026
So are religious motivations an attempt to cover for cultural or political motives, personal rationalizations, or misinformation?
—Cory Anderson, STAT, 6 Mar. 2026
In this way, prediction markets are the perfect technology for a low-trust society, simultaneously exploiting and reifying an environment in which believing the motives behind any person or action becomes harder.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2026
Harris recently told the Star-Telegram his decision to apply for the board of managers involves personal and professional motives.
—Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2026
Fifteen years later, prosecutors charged Jones with second-degree murder, alleging rivalry and fights among teammates as possible motives.
—Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026
But some questioned the motives behind the mural.
—Madeline King, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
Verini sits in on Friedmann’s trial, and explores his possible motives, talking to his friends and family members.
—David Remnick, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
Law enforcement continues to sift through clues and look for possible suspects and motives in the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mom.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 2 Mar. 2026
Noun
Advertisement Murky motives Montilla’s criminal past exploded the case wide open.
—Samantha Bergeson, Time, 6 Mar. 2026
So are religious motivations an attempt to cover for cultural or political motives, personal rationalizations, or misinformation?
—Cory Anderson, STAT, 6 Mar. 2026
In this way, prediction markets are the perfect technology for a low-trust society, simultaneously exploiting and reifying an environment in which believing the motives behind any person or action becomes harder.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2026
Harris recently told the Star-Telegram his decision to apply for the board of managers involves personal and professional motives.
—Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2026
Fifteen years later, prosecutors charged Jones with second-degree murder, alleging rivalry and fights among teammates as possible motives.
—Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026
But some questioned the motives behind the mural.
—Madeline King, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
Verini sits in on Friedmann’s trial, and explores his possible motives, talking to his friends and family members.
—David Remnick, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
Law enforcement continues to sift through clues and look for possible suspects and motives in the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mom.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 2 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motives
Noun
-
History suggests that kind of start matters.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
-
An experienced attorney can provide guidance in these matters, helping the parties involved in accidents determine how to resolve their legal concerns effectively.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The optical range will weave in signature brand motifs such as the eagle and use refined hardware across acetate and metal styles.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
12 Mar. 2026
-
The wrought iron table, loveseat, and chairs have charming scrollwork details, subtle floral motifs, and a distressed finish.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
And one of the reasons Nix wasn’t healthy was that the signal-caller had to pick up more slack in the run game once Dobbins was gone.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
10 Mar. 2026
-
For similar reasons, many of the foundations and artists’ estates once considered the ultimate authorities (like the Keith Haring Foundation and the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts) have ceased offering authentication services.—
Oscar Holland,
CNN Money,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Know that a leader is someone who listens well and who motivates others toward greatness.—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Greed motivates a number of inappropriate behaviors.—
John Moorlach,
Oc Register,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
One of my favorite movies of all time is California Suite, a gem of a Neil Simon film with witty dialogue, an incredible cast, and themes that are as relevant as ever.—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Star Tours is a Star Wars-themes motion simulator ride.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Spotify claims those who aren’t household names can earn six figures, with more than 1,500 artists earning $1 million last year.—
Cerys Davies,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Pay a little more, and kids can sign up for craft sessions to make dream catchers or paint ceramic Boholano figures.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The show is equal parts investigation into the craft of writing and conversation about the topics of an author’s work.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 Mar. 2026
-
At the conference, there were several talks each day that delved into esoteric topics, such as gravitational wave physics, that would later dominate the field.—
Scott Neuman,
NPR,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
So, changing your eating patterns can disturb it and affect blood sugar control.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
8 Mar. 2026
-
First and foremost, the term climate change refers to the long-term temperature shifts and weather patterns across the globe.—
Zoe Mintz,
CBS News,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Motives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motives. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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