Word Explorer

Motive

🔄 Synonyms of "Motive"

6 synonyms found via WordNet and Google Books.

Word	Definition
motifnoun	A recurring or dominant element; an artistic theme.
motivationnoun	An incentive or reason for doing something.
needverb	(transitive) To have an absolute requirement for.
motornoun	A machine or device that converts other energy forms into mechanical energy, or imparts motion.
motivating	Effectively providing an incentive.
motivativenoun	motivating; serving to motivate

💡 Words with a Similar Meaning to "Motive"

Found via reverse dictionary — words that share a conceptual meaning.

Word	Definition
motivativenoun	(grammar) The motivative case, a case found in some languages (for example Basque) which marks the meaning "because of".
motivationnoun	An incentive or reason for doing something.
motivatingnoun	Effectively providing an incentive.
causativenoun	(grammar) Expressing a cause or causation.
neednoun	(countable and uncountable) A requirement for something; something needed.
motifnoun	A recurring or dominant element; an artistic theme.
motornoun	A machine or device that converts other energy forms into mechanical energy, or imparts motion.
goalnoun	A result that one is attempting to achieve.
stimulusnoun	An external phenomenon that has an influence on a system, by triggering or modifying an internal phenomenon; for example, a spur or incentive that drives a person to take action or change behaviour.
incentivenoun	Something that motivates, rouses, or encourages.
purposenoun	The end for which something is done, is made or exists.
intentionnoun	A course of action that a person intends to follow.
justificationnoun	(countable) A reason, explanation, or excuse which someone believes provides convincing, morally acceptable support for behavior or for a belief or occurrence.
occasionnoun	The time when something happens.
drivenoun	Planned, usually long-lasting, effort to achieve something; ability coupled with ambition, determination, and motivation.
explanationnoun	Something that explains or makes understandable.
rationalenoun	An explanation of the basis or fundamental reasons for something.
intentnoun	Something that is intended.
argumentnoun	(countable, also figuratively) A fact or statement used to support a proposition; a reason.
reasonnoun	(uncountable) Rational thinking (or the capacity for it); the cognitive faculties, collectively, of conception, judgment, deduction and intuition.