ulterior motive

[uhl-teer-ee-er moh-tiv] / ʌlˈtɪər i ər ˈmoʊ tɪv /

NOUN

hidden agenda

Synonyms

WEAK

ax to grind parti pris prejudice

NOUN

purpose

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ambition aspiration desire determination direction function goal idea intent objective plan principle project reason scheme scope view wish

STRONG

animus bourn calculation design destination dream drift end expectation hope mecca mission object point premeditation proposal proposition prospect resolve will

WEAK

big idea intendment whatfor where one's headed whole idea why and wherefore whyfor

Antonyms

STRONGEST

dislike hate hatred

STRONG

beginning start

NOUN

reason

Synonyms

STRONGEST

argument basis cause consideration goal idea impetus incentive motivation motive proof purpose rationale

STRONG

antecedent design determinant end grounds inducement object occasion root spring target warrant wherefore why

WEAK

why and wherefore whyfor

Antonyms

STRONGEST

block discouragement hindrance

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.

Federline denies having an ulterior motive beyond wanting to finally share his side of this infamous saga.

From BBC

Perhaps she has an ulterior motive; so many of these characters do.

From Los Angeles Times

But there’s an ulterior motive at play, according to Bruce.

From Los Angeles Times

In response, Kenya's foreign ministry said there was "no ulterior motive" in "providing non-partisan platforms to conflict parties".

From BBC

But the “Severance” creator reveals an ulterior motive in that confrontation.

From Salon