motives

NOUN

reason, purpose

Synonyms

STRONGEST

aim cause consideration emotion feeling idea impulse influence intent intention motivation passion rationale

STRONG

antecedent basis design determinant drive end grounds incentive incitement inducement inspiration mainspring object occasion root spring spur stimulus thinking

Antonyms

STRONGEST

neglect thoughtlessness

STRONG

discouragement hindrance

WEAK

deterrent

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.

See Examples For:

motives

The Emirati probe will look at all possible motives for the pilot assault in the Israel-bound plane’s cockpit.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026

There are roughly a dozen distinct motives for keeping things, Ekerdt said, and they break down into two broad camps: things that are useful and things that are symbolic.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 29, 2026

The latest claims are once again highly personal in their attacks on King Charles and the royals, interpreting their motives in a very harsh light.

From BBC ● Sep. 17, 2026

I’m interested in people’s motives behind storytelling and what’s in, what’s cool, what’s hot, what has currency, and what are the intentions of the people telling those stories?

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 15, 2026

Reading Massasoit’s motives at this distance is a chancy business.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann