Synonyms of motive

motive 1 of 2

noun

ˈmō-tiv 

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

• matter
• theme
• topic
• motif
• question
• subject
• content
• essence
• idea
• purpose
• problem
• issue
• consideration
• subject matter
• fundamental
• substance
• basis
• heart
• core
• body
• point
• essential
• main
• bulk
• count
• burden
• argument
• sum
• mass
• net
• generality
• pivot
• marrow
• debate
• nucleus
• gist
• affair
• talking point
• crux
• kernel
• purport
• staple
• pith
• quick
• grist
• centerpiece
• bottom
• nub
• essentiality
• keynote
• nubbin

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• aside
• tangent
• excursion
• digression
• parenthesis
• interjection

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

• motif
• design
• pattern
• figure
• decoration
• scheme
• ornament
• device
• adornment
• embellishment
• garnish
• trim
• frill
• caparison

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

• reason
• grounds
• why
• subject
• cause
• authority
• incentive
• consideration
• wherefore
• account
• impetus
• inspiration
• stimulus
• occasion
• antecedent
• instigation

motive

2 of 2

verb

as in to motivate

Synonyms & Similar Words

• motivate
• set off
• induce
• inspire
• animate
• energize
• galvanize
• quicken
• vitalize
• activate
• trigger
• drive
• ignite
• pump up
• inflame
• key (up)
• kindle
• foment
• fan
• incite
• provoke
• anger
• abet
• stimulate
• spark
• enflame
• excite
• ferment
• arouse
• encourage
• pique
• fire (up)
• instigate
• whip (up)
• stir
• upset
• move
• rev (up)
• impassion
• enrage
• raise
• tease
• taunt
• aggravate
• bother
• jeer
• annoy
• irritate
• exasperate
• vex
• madden
• gall
• get

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• calm
• subdue
• soothe
• tranquillize
• tranquilize
• appease
• placate
• mollify
• pacify

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

Recent Examples of motive

Noun

Her accusations set off a drumbeat within the legal world urging Judge Ho to look deeply into the federal government’s motives. —Hurubie Meko, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025

Intuitive police lieutenant Héctor Castro delves into the deep tangle of secrets or personal crime stories of each patient, who all have a motive for murder. —Marta Balaga, Variety, 11 Feb. 2025

Verb

Police are investigating the circumstances and motive around the shooting and have not announced any arrests. —Dallas News, 18 May 2022

The coming together of both aspects of his game has also led him to become more vocal on the court, both to keep himself motivated and to motive others. —oregonlive, 5 Aug. 2020