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.
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
The motive for taking Ashaal was also unclear.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026
The Labor Department will be ready to enforce the law if plan fiduciaries act with a disloyal motive or threaten the retirement security of American workers.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026
Who in this school could have a motive for doing something that’s so upsetting to so many people?
From "Linked" by Gordon Korman
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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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Twelve Angry Men
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