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
However, some critics have raised concerns that national partisan elections could drown out information about local candidates, while others have suggested there are political motives behind the date changes. —Miami Herald, 14 July 2025 The motive is not fully known, according to Los Angeles County District Attorney Hochman. —Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 14 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
  • The soil should be rich in organic matter and well-draining.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 19 July 2025
  • When speed and urgency matter, leaders and teams need solutions that reduce noise and enhance focus.
    — Brent Gleeson, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
Definition of matter
Noun
  • The lounge area gets a stylish refresh, with the House’s iconic Web and Interlocking G motifs splashed in a breezy, seasonal palette.
    — Erica Wertheim Zohar, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • There are subtle peacock-tail motifs throughout the hotel, from the kumiko woodwork headboards to the washi paper in the elevator.
    — Amber Gibson, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2025
Definition of motif
Noun
  • Law enforcement determined the child is not a runaway, and a custody dispute is not the sole reason for requesting an activation.
    — Wren Smetana, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
  • The top reason students opt not to pursue higher education is cost, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board states, though having a degree can drastically increase earnings.
    — Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
Definition of reason
Verb
  • Both players have full no-trade clauses but could be motivated to waive them for the right fit.
    — Katie Woo, New York Times, 26 July 2025
  • Football: Benched at USC after being touted as a potential NFL first-rounder, Louisville QB Miller Moss is motivated to return to form under Jeff Brohm.
    — Ray Padilla, The Courier-Journal, 25 July 2025
Definition of motivate
Noun
  • Still staying true to the all-black, high-shine leather theme, Reese wears a pinstriped leather blazer and trouser set from Amiri.
    — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • Their songs speak to universal themes like love, heartbreak, sacrifice and longing, which continue to resonate across the generations.
    — Thania Garcia, Variety, 23 July 2025
Definition of theme
Noun
  • In fact, its influence is still being felt — one obvious example being in the design of the White House’s new pro-Trump news portal, White House Wire, which mimics the look and feel of Drudge’s familiar layout.
    — Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • In design, this translates to soft color palettes and ornate details.
    — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2025
Definition of design
Verb
  • But its interest would set off a free-for-all among large railroads and pose a test of the Trump administration’s enthusiasm for industrial consolidation.
    — Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 21 July 2025
  • Holmes had set off tear gas grenades and indiscriminately shot people using multiple firearms.
    — AZCentral.com, AZCentral.com, 21 July 2025
Definition of set off
Noun
  • Bronin’s brains have been one of the most commented upon topic of politics in the past year.
    — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2025
  • Let your personality shine across topics Don’t worry about hopping the boundaries of your niche.
    — Renae Gregoire, Forbes.com, 19 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 30 Jul. 2025.

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