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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.

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

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

From Barron's • Nov. 10, 2025

The novel follows Julian as he visits the wealthy Velasco family in San Miguel de Allende with ulterior motives to slowly infiltrate their manicured lives.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2025

In response, Kenya's foreign ministry said there was "no ulterior motive" in "providing non-partisan platforms to conflict parties".

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2025

After all, Mom didn’t seem to have any ulterior motives, at least none that I can figure.

From "Dreaming in Cuban" by Cristina García

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.