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.

And in the crucial scene when Sonny is put on the phone with Leon, whom he calls his wife—Sonny’s motive is to pay for Leon’s sex-reassignment surgery—he strikes moving notes of pathos.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 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

She had a greater motive to make clear the story she wove than any artist ever had.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton