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.

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

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

And in the crucial scene when Sonny is put on the phone with Leon, whom he calls his wife—Sonny’s motive is to pay for Leon’s sex-reassignment surgery—he strikes moving notes of pathos.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

"And that motive likely underlies this launch as well," he added.

From Barron's • Mar. 14, 2026

And with but a few minutes between him and the beginning of judgment, the obscure longing to possess the thing which Max had dimly evoked in him was still a motive.

From "Native Son" by Richard Wright