1
: something (such as a need or desire) that causes a person to act
Revenge was the murderer's motive.
2
: a recurrent phrase or figure that is developed through the course of a musical composition
3
: motif
the composition's recurring flute motive
1
: of or relating to motion or the causing of motion
motive energy
2
: moving or tending to move to action
Synonyms
Examples of motive in a Sentence
Noun
Their motive in running away was to avoid being punished.
I think he's guilty of the crime. He had the motive, the means, and the opportunity.
She denied that her offer to help was based on selfish motives.
Recent Examples on the Web
Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY, 2 July 2024
By declaring motive irrelevant in assessing presidential liability for a crime, the majority invited questions about whether all kinds of abominable violations are now fair game.
—Editorial Board, Washington Post, 1 July 2024
Christopher Goffard, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2024
Within a day, police had a suspect, motive, and possible conspirators.
—Mara Bovsun, New York Daily News, 18 May 2024
Nick Danforth, Foreign Affairs, 19 Nov. 2014
Though these events were ultimately not in the final Netflix film, Berner explained that the research helped build an emotional through-line to shed light on what motived the creator.
—Jaden Thompson, Variety, 16 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for motive 
Noun
Although authorities have not released any motives on the shootings, Eaton and his attorney agreed with some family members and friends of victims who testified that the 35-year-old should be punished to the fullest extent of the law, WGME-TV reported.
—Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY, 2 July 2024
By declaring motive irrelevant in assessing presidential liability for a crime, the majority invited questions about whether all kinds of abominable violations are now fair game.
—Editorial Board, Washington Post, 1 July 2024
Adjective
Leaving the motive unresolved, the verdict had the hallmark of a compromise among jurors who had begun deliberating Tuesday after a seven-week trial that relied heavily on circumstantial evidence.
—Christopher Goffard, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2024
Within a day, police had a suspect, motive, and possible conspirators.
—Mara Bovsun, New York Daily News, 18 May 2024
Verb
Separate from those who rallied around Abdulhamid out of religious solidarity were others, motived by Arab nationalism or dissatisfaction with Abdulhamid’s tyranny, who questioned the religious foundation of his rule.
—Nick Danforth, Foreign Affairs, 19 Nov. 2014
Though these events were ultimately not in the final Netflix film, Berner explained that the research helped build an emotional through-line to shed light on what motived the creator.
—Jaden Thompson, Variety, 16 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for motive
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'motive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near motive
Cite this Entry
“Motive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motive. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
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Medical Definition
motive
noun
mo·tive
ˈmōt-iv 
: something (as a need or desire) that causes a person to act
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