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.
An investigation is underway to establish what happened and any possible motive.
From BBC • Jun. 9, 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
They said the suspected perpetrator had been arrested and that his "motive is under investigation".
From Barron's • May 28, 2026
District Judge Waverly Crenshaw called out the government’s motive in no uncertain terms.
From Slate • May 28, 2026
‘Tandy’s got motive, too. She’s the one who got the last Big Chop.”
From "Confessions of a Murder Suspect" by James Patterson
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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This Week In Words: Current Events Vocab for December 26, 2020—January 1, 2021
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