ulterior

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

However, he thinks Bondi’s deployment of the policy is for ulterior motives.

From Salon • Feb. 5, 2026

In the end, staying friends only works if both people have truly accepted the end of the relationship, and neither has an ulterior motive, she adds.

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2026

Many locals, she said, fear the company has ulterior motives and may one day seize their land.

From Barron's • Nov. 10, 2025

Eventually someone very ugly or very unhappy would spot a new kid walking around and in tentative, irresolute gestures would offer friendship to you with no ulterior motives except to end their own intolerable loneliness.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy