motive
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.
Prosecutors allege the cases are connected through personal relationships and planning, though they have not publicly detailed a broader motive beyond those ties.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026
The motive behind the apparent plot was not immediately clear.
From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026
Tom has a more pressing motive than soothing petulance over illustrations.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026
Nanos declined to elaborate on the suspected motive, as he said it could compromise the integrity of the ongoing investigation to do so.
From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026
Motive, she added, was very important: what was her motive in concealing from her parents the time she spent with Ishmael?
From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson
![]()
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.