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
Deputies didn’t give a possible motive but said the shootings weren’t random. —Tanasia Kenney, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2025 Joel’s Brother Tommy Went to Wyoming Joel’s other motive for heading west from Boston is to find his brother Tommy, who had last settled in Wyoming from what Joel knew. —Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
White working-class New Yorkers increasingly felt not only alienated but also motived to express their dissatisfaction. —Longreads, 3 Oct. 2024 The very last people who aren’t really motived to change any of this are the publishers themselves. —Paul Sutter, Ars Technica, 12 July 2024 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
  • Not to reopen wounds, but to remind Cambodians why justice, democracy and dignity matter.
    — Sophal Ear, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The attorney, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, said the firms provided no reason for their decision.
    — Ryan Lucas, NPR, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of matter
Noun
  • Some of the key graphics include diamond motifs, horizontal stripes, four-directional crosses placed within each diamond and zig-zag patterns reminiscent of the desert mountain landscapes.
    — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Their rebellious sweaters featuring Moldovan folk motifs paired with baggy cargos offer a fresh take on heritage-meets-hype.
    — Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of motif
Noun
  • The reason for the independence, the Brookings Institution explains, is that politicians tend to want lower interest rates because lower rates stimulate the economy.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The reason for the increase in the Tigers’ team score came after a review of Mizzou’s third rotation — balance beam.
    — Henry Chappell, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of reason
Verb
  • Ono’s presence in his life seemingly motivated Lennon to explore new ways of creating music and bring new experiences to his fans.
    — Angel Saunders, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Knowing which vaccines older adults should get and hearing a clear recommendation from their health care provider about why a particular vaccine is important strongly motivated them to get vaccinated.
    — Laurie Archbald-Pannone, The Conversation, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of motivate
Noun
  • In that mighty visage, Stephens and Hernandez tease out a theme of grand scope and urgency.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2025
  • While the survey found overspending due to guilt is a common theme among parents, researchers also noted this stems from a good place.
    — Melissa Willets, Parents, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of theme
Noun
  • Conspicuously anglo human characters resemble the generic design often seen in low-rent CG fare produced overseas: large heads with pristine skin and pronounced facial features.
    — Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025
  • And in another first for Netflix, the design of the thronglet characters from the game actually inspired the creatures in the episode itself.
    — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of design
Verb
  • Judy Benjamin, PhD, now 80 years old, set off on Saturday, April 5, on a 3,000-mile journey across the country.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Trump wants to annex the territory, claiming it’s needed for national security purposes, and Vance’s visit in late March set off heated rhetoric between the U.S. and Denmark, with Trump refusing to take the use of military force off the table.
    — Tara Copp, Twin Cities, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of set off
Noun
  • Arcadia Earth has been a proponent of the sustainability conversations around fashion, with a pop-up in Soho, New York City amid the pandemic, that became a hub for productive talks with circularity around fashion being the topic of choice.
    — Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • On Tuesday, McIlroy revisited the topic on his own accord.
    — Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 13 Apr. 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 23 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on motive

Nglish: Translation of motive for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

'Blue Moon,' 'Wolf Moon,' and Other Moons to Look for Throughout the Year
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
name that thing flower edition
Name That Flower Can you tell the difference between a lilac and a...
See All