motives 1 of 2

noun

Definition of motivesnext
plural of motive
1
as in themes
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 motifs
a unit of decoration that is repeated all over something (as a fabric) decorated with a paisley motive

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

motives

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of motive
as in motivates

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for motives
  1. themes
  2. motifs
  3. motivates
  4. topics
  5. inspires
  6. animates
  7. energizes
  8. drives
Noun
  • Both Hanukkah and Christmas center on the transformative power of light and hope, embodying themes of faith and perseverance during adversity thanks to God’s divine ever-present love and concern for humankind.
    Priscilla Whitehead, Sun Sentinel, 24 Dec. 2024
  • While their historical contexts and religious meanings differ, both holidays invite us to reflect on themes of hope, resilience, and the triumph of light over darkness.
    Don Yaeger, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Definition of themes
Noun
  • Pelly writes of some artists, in search of viral fame, who surreptitiously use social media to effectively beta test melodies and motifs, basically putting together songs via crowdsourcing.
    Hua Hsu, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
  • The castle’s bleached, sparse interior also looks a lot like the one in Herzog’s film, and this new Nosferatu’s recurring motifs—swarming rats, Catholic totems, a beach pock-marked with wonky graves—simultaneously pays tribute and blows dust off the hundred-year-old story.
    Maya Ibbitson, Architectural Digest, 23 Dec. 2024
Definition of motifs
Verb
  • The new research is significant because its reframing approach motivates women to take action, potentially driving meaningful change.
    Kim Elsesser, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Video enables complete, compelling communication that engages and motivates in ways that the 26 letters of the alphabet can’t.
    William Arruda, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025
Definition of motivates
Noun
  • Brendel Hightower writes about real estate and other topics for the Detroit Free Press.
    Brendel Hightower, Detroit Free Press, 24 Dec. 2024
  • The coalition said there was a pattern of holding public hearings in which the topics seemed to have already been discussed and voted on in private.
    Barnini Chakraborty, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 23 Dec. 2024
Definition of topics
Verb
  • Structure in a way that best inspires, enables and empowers people to leverage their own and others’ capabilities together in support of the strategy.
    George Bradt, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
  • Through their collaboration, Willis and Merida have created a work that not only celebrates Kamala Harris’s achievements but also inspires readers to see themselves in the story of history being made.
    Melissa Noel, Essence, 23 Dec. 2024
Definition of inspires
Verb
  • That aspirational pride animates the Ice Age Trail, end to end.
    Grayson Haver Currin, Outside Online, 24 Dec. 2024
  • In an era of identity politics and culture wars, community sponsorship programs seem able to trigger a personal sense of responsibility for caring for others that animates people to override their partisan and social boundaries on an issue that is otherwise defined by them.
    Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
Definition of animates
Verb
  • Your celestial ruler, Venus, is transiting Aquarius — your fifth house of romance, self-expression and passion — while Jupiter in Gemini energizes your expansive ninth house of exploration and higher learning.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Venus in Aquarius energizes your 11th house of friendships and future goals, encouraging you to align with like-minded individuals who inspire and support your growth.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 18 Dec. 2024
Definition of energizes
Verb
  • Zack Rosenblatt spent time with Vrabel over the last five months and came away with a fantastic tale of who Vrabel is now, and what drives him.
    Chris Branch, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025
  • Everyone either deals directly with a customer, supports someone who does or is part of the process that drives or supports the customer experience.
    Shep Hyken, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025
Definition of drives
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.

Thesaurus Entries Near motives

motived

motives

motiving

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“Motives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motives. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on motives

Nglish: Translation of motives for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of motives for Arabic Speakers

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