MOTIVES Synonyms: 148 Similar and Opposite Words

motives 1 of 2

noun

plural of motive

as in matters

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

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in motifs

a unit of decoration that is repeated all over something (as a fabric) decorated with a paisley motive

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as in reasons

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

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motives

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of motive

as in motivates

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Dissimilar Words

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 motives

Noun

If someone consistently behaves with kindness, generosity, and consideration, even when these behaviors require effort or self-restraint, their motives may be less important than their actions. — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Then Front Office Sports wants documentation, competing sources and a discussion about our motives. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026 Both shows make use of the parody defense, of course, that being the sly way for comedic artists to cash in on someone else’s intellectual property by insisting that their motives are honorably satirical. — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026 Instead of asking the right questions about the multiple possible motives in a mother who kills their children, the public is asking why there is even a trial in this case. — Dr. Susan Hatters Friedman, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026 As the investigation unfolded, what initially appeared to be a daring ransom scheme evolved into a complex story of obsession, deception, and unexpected motives. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026 Whatever the administration’s ultimate motives, this is an important signal to my public health and humanitarian relief colleagues. — Alaa Murabit, STAT, 20 Aug. 2026 Suspicious and revelatory, today’s moon in Scorpio is deeply attuned to hidden motives, subtext and all that is lingering beneath the surface. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026 While their motives were never defined for certain, the accepted belief was the tragedy was tied to their involvement in the Teapot Dome political corruption scandal and Plunkett’s looming testimony that could’ve implicated the Dohenys. — Amanda Karkoutly, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for motives

Noun

On Thursday, Pittman stated that personnel matters of public agencies, such as local school districts, do not rise to the level of federal judicial review.

— Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026
How to use a bidet correctly Technique matters because every part of the process involves delicate tissue and bacteria.

— Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of matters

Noun

Repetitive motifs in various shapes were her trademark, resembling netting, swirls or worms, but most often dots, dancing proudly on her canvases or as sparkling balls or dots of light in her installations in all their vibrant, psychedelic glory.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Her looks often incorporated classic country motifs like cowboy hats or bell-bottom jeans, though usually made Dolly-appropriate with a healthy helping of sparkles and vibrant hues.

— Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of motifs

Noun

But Jarmond later worked with a search committee that included prominent UCLA figures Bob Myers, Adam Peters and Casey Wasserman on the hiring of Bob Chesney, who quickly injected hope and optimism into the football program.

— Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
The backlash went beyond online and reached political figures like New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, who sent The Met committee a letter urging them to reconsider honoring Galliano.

— Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of figures

Noun

On the first night of training camp, the Rams’ defensive line coach sat down with each of his charges individually and, among other topics, talked about Aaron Donald.

— Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Brendel Clark writes about real estate and other topics for the Detroit Free Press.

— Brendel Clark, Freep.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of topics

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motived

motives

motiving

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“Motives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motives. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of motives

noun

verb

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