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.
Police said they are working to identify a motive for the crime and whether there is any connection to the April 7 arson at the Kimberly-Clark warehouse in Ontario.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 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
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
Tom has a more pressing motive than soothing petulance over illustrations.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 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
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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