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

"While we are still investigating the motives of this individual, we are thankful he was apprehended before the President's visit," First Assistant US Attorney Bill Essayli said in a statement late Tuesday.

From Barron's ● Aug. 5, 2026

How can we not wonder about ulterior motives?

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 2026

In Hamawy’s case, it led to suspicions about his past and true motives that was effective enough for his eventual primary win to be deemed “controversial.”

From Slate ● Jul. 14, 2026

They said he was not pursuing any serious ideological goals, but acted primarily out of personal motives.

From BBC ● Jun. 26, 2026

Moss made a quick count: eight of them, batons held at the ready, their faces unseen, their motives unknown.

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro