motive 1 of 2

motive

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun motive contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of motive are goad, impulse, incentive, inducement, and spur. While all these words mean "a stimulus to action," motive implies an emotion or desire operating on the will and causing it to act.

a motive for the crime

In what contexts can goad take the place of motive?

The synonyms goad and motive are sometimes interchangeable, but goad suggests a motive that keeps one going against one's will or desire.

thought insecurity a goad to worker efficiency

When could impulse be used to replace motive?

The meanings of impulse and motive largely overlap; however, impulse suggests a driving power arising from personal temperament or constitution.

buying on impulse

When would incentive be a good substitute for motive?

The words incentive and motive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, incentive applies to an external influence (such as an expected reward) inciting to action.

a bonus was offered as an incentive

When is inducement a more appropriate choice than motive?

Although the words inducement and motive have much in common, inducement suggests a motive prompted by the deliberate enticements or allurements of another.

offered a watch as an inducement to subscribe

When might spur be a better fit than motive?

In some situations, the words spur and motive are roughly equivalent. However, spur applies to a motive that stimulates the faculties or increases energy or ardor.

fear was a spur to action

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 motive
Noun
The suspect or any of the victims have not yet been officially identified and a motive for the shooting remains unclear. Becca Longmire, People.com, 11 June 2025 At her trial this fall, the prosecution, in their opening statements, presented that posted photo of Daniel and his new girlfriend as the prime motive for murder. Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 11 June 2025
Verb
Police are interviewing Thompson's family and friends in Minnesota to see if anyone might have motive to kill him. Ben Brachfeld, People.com, 4 Dec. 2024 White working-class New Yorkers increasingly felt not only alienated but also motived to express their dissatisfaction. Longreads, 3 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for motive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motive
Noun
  • Several lawmakers are playing peacemaker between the chambers; Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Finance Chair Mike Crapo were expected to address the matter with Trump directly at a White House meeting on Thursday.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 13 June 2025
  • She quickly gets embroiled in a nasty war of blackmail and stalking, and with the help of an unscrupulous life coach, matters escalate way too far.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • Mission accomplished: The Nature Sauvage high-jewelry collection reveals a progression of the French brand’s iconic motifs and designs in colorful, playful styles.
    Jill Newman, Robb Report, 12 June 2025
  • In the collaboration, J.J. Martin’s brand has developed the limited-edition Coupe Rose capsule collection, featuring its bestselling Better Than Your Boyfriend’s shirt with a red floral motif, matching shorts and silk scarf.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 11 June 2025
Noun
  • The two vehicles collided in a head-on collision for an unknown reason, state police said.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 19 June 2025
  • In Virginia, Democratic turnout rose even without much of a reason to vote.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Today, motivated by his own experience with the common dementia, Gates — who serves as chair of the Gates Foundation — is committed to working toward a cure for the common dementia, which currently affects more than seven million Americans, or one in nine people over 65.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2025
  • An attack motivated by someone's political views is not considered a hate crime under federal law.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • This is the season of AYA, which is this year’s theme.
    Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 17 June 2025
  • The encore fading wasn’t quite as dramatic, with the Thunder pulling away late in their 120-109 win that puts them one win away from their first title, but the theme most certainly remained.
    Sam Amick, New York Times, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • For other styles and designs of squirrel-proof bird feeders from Amazon, see our other suggestions below.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 June 2025
  • The challenge is evolving its design in contemporary ways.
    Jill Newman, Robb Report, 12 June 2025
Verb
  • The camera cut to the Prince of Wales saddling up on a black horse named Darby and setting off on his mount to participate in the parade.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 14 June 2025
  • Stanko fled the scene, setting off a nationwide manhunt that made national headlines.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • The incident raised the question of whether such hard racing was over the limit or within accepted bounds, a topic that continued to surface throughout different parts of the 2024 season.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 14 June 2025
  • Among European policymakers and companies, this has been an important topic.
    Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 14 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Motive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motive. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

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