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motive

[moh-tiv] / ˈmoʊ tɪv /


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 statement said that "the motive for the attack is currently unknown and forms part of the ongoing investigation".

From BBC • Jun. 10, 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

Patchett has said she had an ulterior motive for writing “Whistler.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

“If he thought it was his baby, it gives him a motive, doesn’t it?”

From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins




Vocabulary lists containing motive


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