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Showing results for motive. Search instead for motivel.
Definitions

motive

[moh-tiv] / ˈmoʊ tɪv /
NOUN
reason, purpose
Synonyms
STRONGEST
aim cause consideration emotion feeling idea impulse influence intent intention motivation passion rationale
STRONG
antecedent basis design determinant drive end grounds incentive incitement inducement inspiration mainspring object occasion root spring spur stimulus thinking
Antonyms
STRONGEST
neglect thoughtlessness
STRONG
discouragement hindrance
WEAK
deterrent

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.

According to Ortiz’s statement, Hatley provided the same motive to him that she had given her friend Hardee: With Cynthia out of the way, Ortiz would come back to her.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

Investigators believe Nancy Guthrie was taken against her will from her home near Tucson, Arizona, but have not shared a possible motive or arrested a suspect.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

Officials have not issued a motive for the fires.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

The motive behind the apparent plot was not immediately clear.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

Galileo had a further motive for looking at Venus.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton