Definitions

ulterior

[uhl-teer-ee-er] / ʌlˈtɪər i ər /

ADJECTIVE

secret; pertaining to a hidden goal

Synonyms

WEAK

ambiguous buried concealed covert cryptic dark enigmatic equivocal guarded hidden implied obscure obscured personal privy remote secondary selfish shrouded under cover under wraps undisclosed undivulged unexpressed unsaid

Antonyms

WEAK

expressed known overt public

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.

None of these middling elements would be particularly grating if it weren’t so apparent that “Cars” had an ulterior capitalist motive.

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026

Anybody making a financial pitch to you out of the blue likely has ulterior motives.

From MarketWatch • May 26, 2026

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

A new trailer teased sparks flying between Liberty Savage and Tinhead, but he may not be all he appears as it is revealed he has an ulterior motive.

From BBC • Jan. 6, 2026

And she wonders why I think she has ulterior motives when she's being nice.

From "Starfish" by Akemi Dawn Bowman

Vocabulary lists containing ulterior

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

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100 SAT Words Beginning with "U"

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The Diary of a Young Girl

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!