1
: something (such as a need or desire) that causes a person to act
Revenge was the murderer's motive.
2
: a recurrent phrase or figure that is developed through the course of a musical composition
3
: motif
the composition's recurring flute motive
1
: of or relating to motion or the causing of motion
motive energy
2
: moving or tending to move to action
Examples of motive in a Sentence
Noun
Their motive in running away was to avoid being punished.
I think he's guilty of the crime. He had the motive, the means, and the opportunity.
She denied that her offer to help was based on selfish motives.
Recent Examples on the Web
Jared Ochacher, CBS News, 8 May 2025
Authorities said this week that a motive in the shooting is unclear, according to the outlets.
—Sean Neumann, People.com, 8 May 2025
Elise Awwad, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
The motive Saun Rainge Jr. has not admitted to being behind Porshe Streeter’s death, or to knowing the man said to have invaded her apartment that night, according to investigators.
—Mark Price, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2025
Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2025
Authorities did not say what, if any, motive there was behind the fire.
—James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motive
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Noun
One student remains hospitalized almost five months after the shooting, police said
Police determined the teen shooter had an obsession with mass violence, school shootings, and weapons, though a clear motive might never be revealed.
—Jared Ochacher, CBS News, 8 May 2025
Authorities said this week that a motive in the shooting is unclear, according to the outlets.
—Sean Neumann, People.com, 8 May 2025
Adjective
For instance, regularly motive and communicate its importance to your team members, and actively encourage them to engage in mentorship programs.
—Elise Awwad, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
The motive Saun Rainge Jr. has not admitted to being behind Porshe Streeter’s death, or to knowing the man said to have invaded her apartment that night, according to investigators.
—Mark Price, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
Product philosophy, collaboration, and motive The technology has already been successfully implemented in select showcase stores and events across Brazil.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2025
Authorities did not say what, if any, motive there was behind the fire.
—James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motive
Cite this Entry
“Motive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motive. Accessed 12 May. 2025.
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Medical Definition
motive
noun
mo·tive
ˈmōt-iv 
: something (as a need or desire) that causes a person to act
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