motive 1 of 2

noun

ˈmō-tiv How to pronounce motive (audio)
Definition of motivenext
1
as in matter
a major object of interest or concern (as in a discussion or artistic composition) the principal motive of the piece was introduced in the flute section

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in motif
a unit of decoration that is repeated all over something (as a fabric) decorated with a paisley motive

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in reason
something (as a belief) that serves as the basis for another thing the detective felt that the first suspect didn't have any motive for committing the crime

Synonyms & Similar Words

motive

2 of 2

verb

as in to motivate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun motive contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of motive are goad, impulse, incentive, inducement, and spur. While all these words mean "a stimulus to action," motive implies an emotion or desire operating on the will and causing it to act.

a motive for the crime

In what contexts can goad take the place of motive?

The synonyms goad and motive are sometimes interchangeable, but goad suggests a motive that keeps one going against one's will or desire.

thought insecurity a goad to worker efficiency

When could impulse be used to replace motive?

The meanings of impulse and motive largely overlap; however, impulse suggests a driving power arising from personal temperament or constitution.

buying on impulse

When would incentive be a good substitute for motive?

The words incentive and motive are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, incentive applies to an external influence (such as an expected reward) inciting to action.

a bonus was offered as an incentive

When is inducement a more appropriate choice than motive?

Although the words inducement and motive have much in common, inducement suggests a motive prompted by the deliberate enticements or allurements of another.

offered a watch as an inducement to subscribe

When might spur be a better fit than motive?

In some situations, the words spur and motive are roughly equivalent. However, spur applies to a motive that stimulates the faculties or increases energy or ardor.

fear was a spur to action

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of motive
Noun
For most of the 21st century, investors have been in love with the U.S. and lacking a motive to send money abroad. —William Baldwin, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025 Leading the investigation is the eccentric, bird-watching detective Cordelia Cupp (Uzo Aduba), who must wade through dozens of suspects, motives and potential murder weapons to solve the mystery of Mr. Wynter’s death. —Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
Police are investigating the circumstances and motive around the shooting and have not announced any arrests. —Dallas News, 18 May 2022 The coming together of both aspects of his game has also led him to become more vocal on the court, both to keep himself motivated and to motive others. —oregonlive, 5 Aug. 2020 See All Example Sentences for motive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motive
  1. matter
  2. motif
  3. reason
  4. motivate
  5. theme
  6. design
  7. set off
  8. topic
Noun
  • Both Amazon and TikTok declined to comment on the matter.
    — Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Astronomers look to the BAO scale, with separations of matter by about 480 million light-years, as a standard ruler.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of matter
Noun
  • And with so many jungle motifs to play with, there’s lots to explore.
    — Maggie Griswold, StyleCaster, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Mirador de la Flor, which translates to Lookout of the Flower, features a motif of white roses and a life-size bronze statue of the singer leaning against a center pillar, looking over the Corpus Christi Bay.
    — Jacqueline Weiss, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of motif
Noun
  • This relationship focus is another reason why some financial institutions may not be tempted by the pools of CRE loans on the market.
    — Sam Sidhu, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • There’s a reason why countless stars are spotted in matching sets.
    — Nicol Natale, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of reason
Verb
  • In 2010, Rich entered the energy sector, motivated by the tax advantages and profit potential of oil and gas investments.
    — Rich Tabaka, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Desir was motivated to join the wrestling team at Forest Hill beginning in her freshman season after watching Instagram reels online.
    — Alex Kushel, Sun Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of motivate
Noun
  • Adolescence could not have picked three themes more central to the zeitgeist - and more global in their reach.
    — Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The theme plays out over longer time horizons, too.
    — Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of theme
Noun
  • But a fourth model in a platinum case—limited to just 200 examples—offers a slanted take on the 1928 design: Its hours window sits at 10 o’clock, and its minutes window is at 6 o’clock.
    — Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2025
  • But Berzin said that the design will incorporate a layer of lithium that will form tritium when bombarded by neutrons from the stellarator.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of design
Verb
  • Simeone set off sprinting down the line in celebration, but quickly got his emotions back under control, knowing there was a long way still to go in the tie.
    — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
  • That has set off a frenzy from developers and gambling powerhouses looking to cash in on the highly lucrative opportunity to operate one of the Big Apple’s first-ever casinos.
    — Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of set off
Noun
  • Religion is the topic most likely to cause offense in India today, though the code is ambiguous on this point too.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Apr. 2025
  • According to one Senate Republican, the mood of the GOP conference on the topic was anything but over-joyous heading into Wednesday’s big announcement.
    — Al Weaver, The Hill, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of topic

Browse Nearby Words

motivative
motive
motived
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Cite this Entry

“Motive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motive. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

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