motives

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.

Most of those who replied to his post agreed that a request for an Uber is unreasonable and that his date’s motives were financial.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026

“Detectives are evaluating all potential motives for the assault, including whether the incident may have had a political component; however, we have not developed evidence to support that conclusion,” Escondido Police Lt.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

Over 1,200 companies were taking part in the expo, according to organisers, plying their wares to the tens of thousands of attendees there for a startling variety of motives.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

The suspect's identity and motives were not immediately known.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

It was, for a long time, in spite of—or, not inconceivably, because of—the shabbiness of my motives, my only sustenance, my meat and drink.

From "The Fire Next Time" by James Baldwin