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
What led up to the gunfire and any motive for the shooting remained unclear. —Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 25 May 2025 What was the shooter's motive in the Jewish museum shooting? —Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 24 May 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
  • They were raised during the internet boom, financial decentralization, and the notion that digital identity and ownership matter.
    — Chrissa McFarlane, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • Others, meanwhile, said family matters should be left for behind closed doors and not for public shaming.
    — Stephanie Guerilus, People.com, 1 June 2025
Definition of matter
Noun
  • Breton stripes, fisherman sandals, shell motifs—anything that could remind you of the ocean is very much in play, and plenty of it is currently on sale at Nordstrom.
    — Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 30 May 2025
  • Johnson makes paintings and mosaics on square white tiles—often incorporating the material of one of Johnson’s favorite motifs, shea butter, the hearty soul food of moisturizing agents.
    — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 30 May 2025
Definition of motif
Noun
  • President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth repeatedly point to Trump's election as a reason for the recruiting rebound.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 May 2025
  • There’s no reason for the United States to be in debt.
    — Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 26 May 2025
Definition of reason
Verb
  • Police didn’t comment on what may have motivated the killings, or what led them to Collins and his teenage accomplice, but said the investigation is ongoing.
    — Mitchell Willetts, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2025
  • Film incentives are essentially tax credits that motivate film and television productions to work in certain states.
    — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 May 2025
Definition of motivate
Noun
  • In addition, the other theme of this article holds true: think differently than the competition.
    — Rebecca Fraser-Thill, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • Nearly one-third of the way through the season, the Cubs’ propensity for big innings, especially late in games, is a continuing theme.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2025
Definition of theme
Noun
  • The only thing to keep in mind is that, because of their sleek design, the shoe may seem narrow for those with wide feet.
    — Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2025
  • Disposable vapes have proved popular among young adults trying to quit smoking, but their sleek design, bright packaging and sweet flavors have also appealed to teenagers.
    — Olivia Kemp, CNN Money, 31 May 2025
Definition of design
Verb
  • It’s been five years since George Floyd’s murder by a police officer in Minneapolis set off a wave of international protest and the Black Lives Matter movement.
    — Cameron Joseph, Christian Science Monitor, 21 May 2025
  • Without inside information, bettors probably suspected that others must know something about the next pope’s identity, setting off a stampede, Sethi concluded.
    — Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Definition of set off
Noun
  • Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.
    — Neal Earley, Arkansas Online, 22 May 2025
  • If so, submit your question or topic to [email protected] and your topic/question may be featured in a future article!
    — Jamie Bosse, Kansas City Star, 21 May 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 4 Jun. 2025.

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