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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.

The law doesn’t allow ulterior motives to infect plan investments.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Kenya insisted it had hosted the meetings in a bid to find a way to end the war, "without any ulterior motives".

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2026

The firm said any allegations of unethical practices were the result of “disgruntled former employees ... who have ulterior self-serving motives.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 31, 2025

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

From Barron's • Nov. 10, 2025

After all, Mom didn’t seem to have any ulterior motives, at least none that I can figure.

From "Dreaming in Cuban" by Cristina García

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