Definitions

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.

Jones began to suspect that she’d had a previously undetected ulterior motive for moving her book to the past.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

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

In the end, staying friends only works if both people have truly accepted the end of the relationship, and neither has an ulterior motive, she adds.

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2025

“You think there's an ulterior motive for everything nice I do.”

From "Starfish" by Akemi Dawn Bowman

ulterior motive

Example Sentences

Related Words