motives

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.

See Examples For:

motives

Even if your brother-in-law’s motives are entirely honorable, the proposed arrangement leaves the parents in a remarkably vulnerable financial position.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 6, 2026

The Sun asks "why is he doing this to the King now?" after royal insiders questioned the "motives of Earl Spencer's vicious attack on the King", according to the paper.

From BBC ● Sep. 17, 2026

They certainly seem sincere, but some investors suspected ulterior motives when CEOs were so quick to consider tapping the brakes.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026

I’m interested in people’s motives behind storytelling and what’s in, what’s cool, what’s hot, what has currency, and what are the intentions of the people telling those stories?

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 15, 2026

Reading Massasoit’s motives at this distance is a chancy business.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann