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 statement said that "the motive for the attack is currently unknown and forms part of the ongoing investigation".
From BBC • 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
They said the suspected perpetrator had been arrested and that his "motive is under investigation".
From Barron's • May 28, 2026
Khrushchev also had a deeper motive for wanting to make friends with Castro.
From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau
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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