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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.

District Judge Waverly Crenshaw called out the government’s motive in no uncertain terms.

From Slate • May 28, 2026

The new business would have to be legitimate, with a profit motive, “and not just a way to move money into an IRA for your child,” said Permashwar.

From MarketWatch • May 26, 2026

A commercial real estate broker, Nick Quackenbos, said the likely motive for such a price hike is plans to scrape the building and build apartments in its place.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

Wahl said the motive for the attack is currently unknown, but was presumed to be a hate crime because of the the mosque, which is the largest in San Diego County.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

Khrushchev also had a deeper motive for wanting to make friends with Castro.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau




Vocabulary lists containing motive


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