1
as in matters
a major object of interest or concern (as in a discussion or artistic composition)
the principal motive of the piece was introduced in the flute section
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in motifs
a unit of decoration that is repeated all over something (as a fabric)
decorated with a paisley motive
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in reasons
something (as a belief) that serves as the basis for another thing
the detective felt that the first suspect didn't have any motive for committing the crime
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of motives
Emily Longeretta, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026
But despite the parity, parents’ motives and methods often vary.
—Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
Last winter, the college had its first major fight with people who were suspicious of its motives.
—Emma Green, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
Another user on Threads claims Witherspoon has other motives.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026
Despite those opinions being public and stated for some time, selling them internally at the Fed may be harder owing to heightened skepticism about his motives.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2026
The specialist and sometimes forger Lori (Coel) has other motives.
—Lindsey Bahr, Boston Herald, 16 Apr. 2026
So far, police have not revealed the suspect's identity or motives.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 10 Apr. 2026
Police said the investigation is ongoing and did not provide any information about suspects or potential motives.
—Cbs News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026
Noun
Her motives were really very sincere.
—Emily Longeretta, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026
But despite the parity, parents’ motives and methods often vary.
—Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
Last winter, the college had its first major fight with people who were suspicious of its motives.
—Emma Green, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
Another user on Threads claims Witherspoon has other motives.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026
Despite those opinions being public and stated for some time, selling them internally at the Fed may be harder owing to heightened skepticism about his motives.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2026
The specialist and sometimes forger Lori (Coel) has other motives.
—Lindsey Bahr, Boston Herald, 16 Apr. 2026
So far, police have not revealed the suspect's identity or motives.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 10 Apr. 2026
Police said the investigation is ongoing and did not provide any information about suspects or potential motives.
—Cbs News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motives
Noun
-
Pistons fans are, understandably, in shambles, but one fan is taking matters into his own hands to punish himself for daring to be a Pistons supporter.—
Austin Perry OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Whether landlords and towers are following the law matters because towing in Connecticut has disproportionately occurred in low-income areas.—
Ginny Monk,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
It was created for her royal tour of Australia in 1954 and reveals white and yellow wattle blossom motifs to honor her first visit to the country as queen.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Fruit motifs are a bright and cheerful way to add a little retro charm to a tablescape or bar cart.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Of course, artists make choices in biographical shows for a whole variety of reasons, whether in service of the storytelling, to appease those who would prefer to remain anonymous or even self-protection.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
-
One of the primary reasons that some car buyers avoid vehicles with electric powertrains is the lengthy duration of charging sessions.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Active learning also allows students to follow their own curiosity, which motivates them to learn and remember concepts.—
Shelley Mitchell,
The Conversation,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Amid all their attacks and counter-attacks, what motivates each aggrieved party comes to light, painting a rich, empathetic portrait of lives lived under immense pressure — and the illogical outlets that sometimes become our only means of relief.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Director Steven Spielberg’s film is buoyed by a sense of wonder and remains a sharp contrast with many of the decade’s more cynical cinematic themes.—
David Faris,
TheWeek,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Speed and trust were themes echoed by executives around the table.—
Diane Brady,
Fortune,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The meeting between the two dignitaries will won’t include a livestreamed news conference like those the president has hosted with other international figures.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The large monetary figures Ingoglia unveiled during each news conference came from analyses conducted by the state’s Department of Governmental Efficiency team, or DOGE, which had requested budget information from and visited many municipalities across the state.—
Abigail Hasebroock,
Sun Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Tensions have risen in recent months between the United States and the United Kingdom governments over a slew of topics, like the United States' joint war in Iran, the administration's tariffs and ongoing disagreements over theNATO military alliance.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
-
But topics also veer off to the mundane.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The high school baseball season tends to have a slower start due to inconsistent weather patterns in April, and then picks up in intensity around mid-May.—
Jack Murray,
Boston Herald,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Democrats face an optimistic midterm outlook based on historical patterns showing the party out of power gains substantial House seats and Trump’s approval rating hovering around 40%, well below the 50% threshold that portends political trouble for a president’s party.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Motives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motives. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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