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
Commenters are overwhelmingly on the man's side, with many questioning the motives of the aunt who gifted the scale. —Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 6 Feb. 2025 Feliz said the wording suggested faculty allow ICE officers access into classrooms without questioning their motives or legal grounds. —Mathew Miranda, Sacramento Bee, 5 Feb. 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
  • While Democrats and Republicans voted along party lines on the issue, Democrats Lynn LaPlante and Lucy Chang Evans abstained from the vote and expressed disappointment that the matter was raised.
    — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
  • One possibility is finding savings from repealing Biden administration policies on matters like student loans, sources said.
    — Stef W. Kight, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025
Definition of matter
Noun
  • According to the house, each motif on the dress took 3.5 hours to embroider.
    — Colson Thayer, People.com, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Much of her inspiration comes from French impressionist paintings and her motifs, materials and techniques combine western and eastern influences.
    — Anthony DeMarco, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
Definition of motif
Noun
  • For that reason, Richardson usually doesn't agree to sit down for other productions.
    — Ralphie Aversa, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
  • The reason the rabbit vibrator is called this was to get around obscenity laws in Japan when the products were exported.
    — Amanda Chatel, Glamour, 19 Feb. 2025
Definition of reason
Verb
  • Smart recalled that Rondo, Nelson and Bass advised him to carve out a niche other than offense — a special skill that would motivate coaches to keep him on the court.
    — Josh Robbins, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Only the rarest of managers has that special brand of charisma, contagious passion, and infectious enthusiasm that inspires or motivates people.
    — Bruce Tulgan, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
Definition of motivate
Noun
  • While both puzzles are word-based, Connections challenges users to find common themes in a set of words.
    — Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Here are some of the names UBS said are exposed to the Gen Alpha wellbeing theme.
    — Michelle Fox, CNBC, 17 Feb. 2025
Definition of theme
Noun
  • Mikey Madison Madison had a Cinderella moment in a custom pearl grey design by Louis Vuitton.
    — Hannah Malach, WWD, 24 Feb. 2025
  • My experience collaborating with edtech developers has underscored the importance of centering fairness and transparency in AI design to avoid perpetuating inequities.
    — Balaji Soundararajan, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
Definition of design
Verb
  • How Venezuela Helps Fuel Colombian Violence: A decades-old rebel group has waged the worst violence in Colombia in a generation, setting off troubling regional tensions.
    — Atul Loke, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2025
  • The tragicomedy follows a grieving widower who sets off on an epic quest to find the truth about a mysterious photo left behind by his deceased wife.
    — Ed Meza, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
Definition of set off
Noun
  • Ahead of the opening, Landau noted that the team reviewed every aspect of the show to ensure this topic was presented with care.
    — Emily Burns, WWD, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Once again, the discussion was a mix of government cost-cutting and topics – space, mobility, and technology – that intersect with Musk’s business empire, as Modi later said on X. Starlink, Musk’s satellite company, is seeking approval to provide wireless internet to India’s 1.4 billion people.
    — John Hyatt, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2025
Definition of topic

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Cite this Entry

“Motive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motive. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

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