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Definitions

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.

Their motive, she claims, was discriminatory bias and a piece of legislation she wrote that law enforcement agencies did not like.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

Investigators believe Nancy Guthrie was taken against her will from her home near Tucson, Arizona, but have not shared a possible motive or arrested a suspect.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

The only specific people left on my list were Kerns and Dave, and both continued to be nowhere in terms of motive.

From "Burning Blue" by Paul Griffin




Vocabulary lists containing motive