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Showing results for ulterior motive.
Definitions

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 there is an ulterior motive to her choice that won’t come into focus until the second half of the movie.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

But the “Severance” creator reveals an ulterior motive in that confrontation.

From Salon • Feb. 15, 2025

In reaction to being pulled into France's culture wars, Mr Gattoni said he had drawn buildings "in the way they come to my mind, without any ulterior motive".

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2024

This allows the motorist to directly engage with the legitimate, legal reason for the stop rather than feel as if they are being interrogated for no reason or an ulterior motive.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 2, 2024

What if he'd lied out of some ulterior motive of his own?

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison