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.

Sure, many other countries go to war with similar motives, fantasizing the conflicts are about freedom or religion or whatever.

From Salon • Jul. 4, 2026

South Korean authorities didn’t offer further details about the soldier, such as his age and motives for defection.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 24, 2026

It was later determined to have been an assassination driven by "personal motives".

From Barron's • Jun. 22, 2026

Both patterns were probably occasioned by a mixture of motives.

From BBC • Jun. 19, 2026

They were generous by nature, but in this case their motives were complex.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood