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 police have said two Mozambican men were killed in Western Cape province earlier this month but have not given a motive.
From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026
“We cannot rationally justify a pause when a Governing Council driven by an insurance motive now faces a substantially worse inflation outlook than in March,” he added.
From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026
None of these middling elements would be particularly grating if it weren’t so apparent that “Cars” had an ulterior capitalist motive.
From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026
District Judge Waverly Crenshaw called out the government’s motive in no uncertain terms.
From Slate • May 28, 2026
“She must have some motive, more powerful than appears, for refusing this invitation,” was Emma’s conclusion.
From "Emma" by Jane Austen
Vocabulary lists containing motive
The SAT: Language of the Test, List 3
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The New SAT: The Language of the Test
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This Week In Words: Current Events Vocab for December 26, 2020—January 1, 2021
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