motive

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Labor Department will be ready to enforce the law if plan fiduciaries act with a disloyal motive or threaten the retirement security of American workers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

The motive behind the apparent plot was not immediately clear.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

The sheriff investigating the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, mother of US TV presenter Savannah Guthrie, says authorities believe they have a motive, but have not identified a suspect.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

Police are investigating the motive for the attack that took place while Rihanna and her rapper partner A$AP Rocky were at the home, the BBC's US news partner CBS reports.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

“Sir,” the man said to C.P., “is the motive prompting your presence here serious and unselfish?”

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson