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.
The police statement said that "the motive for the attack is currently unknown and forms part of the ongoing investigation".
From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026
None of these middling elements would be particularly grating if it weren’t so apparent that “Cars” had an ulterior capitalist motive.
From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026
According to Boettcher, Abdulmohsen's motive lay in a conflict with a Cologne-based refugee organisation against which he had lost a civil suit.
From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026
Patchett has said she had an ulterior motive for writing “Whistler.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026
No matter what the motive, Sky Witness’s plan to dismantle Mutal was brilliant—in the short run, anyway.
From "1491" by Charles C. Mann
![]()
Vocabulary lists containing motive
The SAT: Language of the Test, List 3
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The New SAT: The Language of the Test
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
This Week In Words: Current Events Vocab for December 26, 2020—January 1, 2021
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!