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motive

[moh-tiv] / ˈmoʊ tɪv /


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.

According to Ortiz’s statement, Hatley provided the same motive to him that she had given her friend Hardee: With Cynthia out of the way, Ortiz would come back to her.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

The motive for taking Ashaal was also unclear.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

Tom has a more pressing motive than soothing petulance over illustrations.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

"And that motive likely underlies this launch as well," he added.

From Barron's • Mar. 14, 2026

Galileo had a further motive for looking at Venus.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton




Vocabulary lists containing motive