ulterior motive

[uhl-teer-ee-er moh-tiv] / ʌlˈtɪər i ər ˈmoʊ tɪv /

NOUN

hidden agenda

Synonyms

WEAK

ax to grind parti pris prejudice

NOUN

purpose

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ambition aspiration desire determination direction function goal idea intent objective plan principle project reason scheme scope view wish

STRONG

animus bourn calculation design destination dream drift end expectation hope mecca mission object point premeditation proposal proposition prospect resolve will

WEAK

big idea intendment whatfor where one's headed whole idea why and wherefore whyfor

Antonyms

STRONGEST

dislike hate hatred

STRONG

beginning start

NOUN

reason

Synonyms

STRONGEST

argument basis cause consideration goal idea impetus incentive motivation motive proof purpose rationale

STRONG

antecedent design determinant end grounds inducement object occasion root spring target warrant wherefore why

WEAK

why and wherefore whyfor

Antonyms

STRONGEST

block discouragement hindrance

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.

But he defended Thomas and Crow, saying he believed there was no ulterior motive behind the real estate magnate's largesse over the decades.

From Salon

"I will state 100% that the George Takei joke that we have in the book has an ulterior motive."

From Salon

I will state 100% that the George Takei joke that we have in the book has an ulterior motive.

From Salon

“And I got to be around tall men. I had an ulterior motive.”

From Seattle Times

Legal analysts have said there is ample evidence to prove in court that Fox unfairly targeted the voting machine maker, whether the ulterior motive was to help Trump and the Republican Party stay in power, feed viewers more of the red meat the network itself had gotten them hooked on, trounce competitors or all of the above.

From Los Angeles Times

ulterior motive

Example Sentences

Related Words