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What is another word for Motive? – 117 Motive Synonyms

    Need another word for Motive? Use these synonyms of Motive from our thesaurus to say it differently.


    Synonyms & Similar Words

    reason purpose intention goal objective aim incentive motivation impulse drive ambition aspiration desire wish want need cause inducement stimulus provocation incitement encouragement inspiration spur spurting catalyst spark trigger spur spurring

    Meaning of Motive

    The primary meaning of the word "motive" is a reason for doing something.

    Definitions

    • A reason for doing something or behaving in a particular way
    • A person's motivation or incentive for doing something

    Etymology of Motive

    The word "motive" comes from the Latin word "motivus," meaning "of motion" or "causing motion," which is derived from "motus," the past participle of "movere," meaning "to move"
    Historically, the term has been used in various contexts, including philosophy, psychology, and law, to describe the underlying reasons or drivers behind human actions or behaviors

    Example Uses

    • The police investigated the motive behind the crime to understand the perpetrator's intentions
    • Her motive for starting the business was to create jobs and stimulate local economic growth
    • The company's motive for launching the new product was to increase market share and revenue

    Antonyms & Near Antonyms

    deterrent hindrance obstacle barrier impediment discouragement disincentive dissuasion detraction distraction diversion hindrance impediment obstacle opposition resistance restraint roadblock setback stumbling block hindrance

    Related Nouns

    intention purpose goal objective ambition aspiration desire wish need cause reason motivation incentive impulse drive ambition objective target aim end result outcome consequence effect

    Related Verbs

    motivate inspire encourage stimulate provoke incite induce persuade influence drive push spur prompt trigger catalyze spark ignite fuel energize activate animate

    Related Adjectives

    motivational inspirational encouraging stimulating provocative inciting inducing persuasive influential driving pushing spurring prompting triggering catalytic sparking igniting fueling energizing activating animating