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

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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
Police are interviewing Thompson's family and friends in Minnesota to see if anyone might have motive to kill him. —Ben Brachfeld, People.com, 4 Dec. 2024 White working-class New Yorkers increasingly felt not only alienated but also motived to express their dissatisfaction. —Longreads, 3 Oct. 2024
Verb
This man also had a personal motive, according to Dillard's petition: Thomas was having an affair with his wife. —Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 The motive behind Roley’s actions remains unclear, and Norris said Monday that no manifesto has been found. —Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025 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
  • Every one of the strikeouts Padres relief pitcher Jason Adam hurls matters.
    — Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2025
  • Hook believes that talent will always rise to the top no matter where players are drafted.
    — Melissa Lockard, New York Times, 7 July 2025
Definition of matter
Noun
  • The train also offers a dedicated Wellness Suite, decorated by painter and printmaker Sarah Woods with a calming beach motif.
    — Everett Potter, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
  • Price upon publish date of this article: $11.99 Flaunting over 3,000 hearts on Urban Outfitters’ site, this shower curtain is a hot commodity because of its ability to harness multiple interior design trends at once: including food motifs, gingham patterns, and all things pink.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 2 July 2025
Definition of motif
Noun
  • There’s a reason Mexico is one of the most coveted destinations to visit in Latin America—and why the best hotels in Mexico City are an excellent place to start immersing yourself in the culture.
    — Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 13 July 2025
  • But there’s an obvious reason the hotel keeps the interiors somewhat understated.
    — Hannah Freedman, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2025
Definition of reason
Verb
  • No doubt personal benefits, such as helping others, supporting important causes, etc., all motivate charitable giving.
    — Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • But, at the end of the day, what is motivating her is, yes, status in society, but also comfort and freedom for her daughter.
    — Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025
Definition of motivate
Noun
  • Expert event planner and hostess, Brittney Winbush, encourages us not to shy away from a good theme.
    — Dominique Fluker, Essence, 11 July 2025
  • Afternoon tea is served daily from 1:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. and takes on a seasonal theme.
    — Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Definition of theme
Noun
  • This set of over-ear cans from Puro Sound Labs has a conservative design in black and is big enough for some adults.
    — Simon Hill Adrienne So, Wired News, 6 July 2025
  • Musetti wore a white, leather Bottega Veneta jacket with a woven leather design.
    — Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
Definition of design
Verb
  • That month was when scientists reported that the earth’s temperature had suddenly begun not just to climb but to spike—the days around the solstice were the hottest ever measured, setting off a run of record-smashing heat that continues to this day.
    — Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 9 July 2025
  • With personal tutor Bjorn (Michael Cera) in tow, the trio set off on a globetrotting adventure to achieve Korda's epic mission.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Definition of set off
Noun
  • Brandon Loomis is the senior environment reporter and writes some of our in-depth stories on a wide range of topics.
    — Shaun McKinnon, AZCentral.com, 8 July 2025
  • Classes focus on a variety of topics like the Hmong language, culture and history, calculus, psychology and more.
    — Mia Thurow, jsonline.com, 8 July 2025
Definition of topic

Browse Nearby Words

motivative
motive
motived
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Motive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motive. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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