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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.

OpenAI's legal team has questioned Musk's own financial motives.

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

Ms. McDonagh’s stories reveal a range of motives for conversion, as explained by the converts themselves and their friends and critics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

His motives are obvious: He’s a bully and it’s fun for him to watch people debase themselves to please him.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

“Paradise” star Julianne Nicholson unpacks her character’s motives, plus streaming suggestions for your weekend.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

“Don’t say that. You haven’t found out about my ulterior motives yet.”

From "Allegiant" by Veronica Roth