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.
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
One’s really good with forensics, the other is really good with motive and story.
From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026
The South Carolina attorney general’s office argued Murdaugh’s motive was to create a distraction and throw those close to Murdaugh off the trail of his thefts of millions of dollars from his personal-injury clients.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026
Police said late Monday said there was "no basis on current knowledge" to assume a political or religious motive on the part of the perpetrator.
From Barron's • May 4, 2026
I try to convince myself that the note could not have referred to the poisoning of Locke’s mother, that Balekin had no motive when Dain was already the High King’s chosen heir.
From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black
Vocabulary lists containing motive
The SAT: Language of the Test, List 3
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The New SAT: The Language of the Test
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Twelve Angry Men
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