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.

Officials have not issued a motive for the fires.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

The Labor Department will be ready to enforce the law if plan fiduciaries act with a disloyal motive or threaten the retirement security of American workers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

The motive behind the apparent plot was not immediately clear.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

Police are investigating the motive for the attack that took place while Rihanna and her rapper partner A$AP Rocky were at the home, the BBC's US news partner CBS reports.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

Of course, he might not know that he has a motive, but .

From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins