Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

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.

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

District Judge Waverly Crenshaw called out the government’s motive in no uncertain terms.

From Slate • May 28, 2026

A commercial real estate broker, Nick Quackenbos, said the likely motive for such a price hike is plans to scrape the building and build apartments in its place.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

"When you said motive, I thought something else."

From "We Are Okay" by Nina LaCour




Vocabulary lists containing motive


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "motive" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com