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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.

Most of those who replied to his post agreed that a request for an Uber is unreasonable and that his date’s motives were financial.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026

“Detectives are evaluating all potential motives for the assault, including whether the incident may have had a political component; however, we have not developed evidence to support that conclusion,” Escondido Police Lt.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

The prosecution told the court that Ott was "not romantic about Russia", but had acted out of financial motives and frustration with work.

From BBC • May 20, 2026

Harold Ruvoldt Jr., the local prosecutor, concluded that almost all the fires had noneconomic motives.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

If I have wounded your sister’s feelings, it was unknowingly done and though the motives which governed me may to you very naturally appear insufficient, I have not yet learnt to condemn them.

From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen