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
  • Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic, for example, have been known to spar publicly over the matter — mostly because of one, specific means of defining space: the Kármán line.
    — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 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
  • American whiskey is flying off of the shelves in Canada, although surely not for the reason American whiskey makers would like.
    — Made by History, Time, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The military has a nonpartisan tradition for a reason.
    — Risa Brooks, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of reason
Verb
  • 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
  • However, the film also remains firmly rooted in the question of what is motivating them to take on this task.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of motivate
Noun
  • The 24-year-old Pages’ base-running woes have emerged as a troubling theme for much of his brief time in the majors and this time cost the Dodgers a chance for Mookie Betts to hit with runners on.
    — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The theme plays out over longer time horizons, too.
    — Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 5 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
  • The eggs are decorated with dainty florals and swirl designs and include matching ribbons for easy hanging.
    — Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 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
  • Search by title or topic in the Search Bar in the middle of the Home Page, or click on the blue ‘years’ boxes and browse.
    — Jan Wagner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 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 20 Apr. 2025.

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