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motive

[moh-tiv] / ˈmoʊ tɪv /


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




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