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Showing results for ulterior. Search instead for ulteri.
Definitions

ulterior

[uhl-teer-ee-er] / ʌlˈtɪər i ər /
ADJECTIVE
secret; pertaining to a hidden goal
Synonyms
WEAK
ambiguous buried concealed covert cryptic dark enigmatic equivocal guarded hidden implied obscure obscured personal privy remote secondary selfish shrouded under cover under wraps undisclosed undivulged unexpressed unsaid
Antonyms
WEAK
expressed known overt public

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.

But there is an ulterior motive to her choice that won’t come into focus until the second half of the movie.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

A new trailer teased sparks flying between Liberty Savage and Tinhead, but he may not be all he appears as it is revealed he has an ulterior motive.

From BBC • Jan. 6, 2026

Many locals, she said, fear the company has ulterior motives and may one day seize their land.

From Barron's • Nov. 10, 2025

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

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2025

And she wonders why I think she has ulterior motives when she's being nice.

From "Starfish" by Akemi Dawn Bowman

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.