motive | Definition of motive

Synonyms and Antonyms of motive

1 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 of motive

content, matter, motif, question, subject, theme, topic

Words Related to motive

count, idea, point, purpose

consideration, issue, problem

body, bulk, burden, centerpiece, core, crux, essence, fundamental, generality, gist, grist, heart, kernel, keynote, main, marrow, mass, net, nub, nubbin, nucleus, pith, pivot, purport, quick, staple, substance, sum

bottom, essential, essentiality

affair, argument, debate

Near Antonyms of motive

aside, digression, excursion, interjection, parenthesis, tangent

2 a unit of decoration that is repeated all over something (as a fabric)

decorated with a paisley motive

Synonyms of motive

design, figure, motif, pattern

Words Related to motive

adornment, caparison, decoration, embellishment, frill, garnish, ornament, trim

3 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 of motive

account, authority, grounds, reason, subject, wherefore, why

Words Related to motive

antecedent, cause, consideration, impetus, incentive, inspiration, instigation, occasion, stimulus