Choose the perfect synonym or antonym for the word A reason for doing something.
Motive
/ˈməʊtɪv/Synonyms:
Antonyms:
This word has no antonymsExamples:
What was his motive for lying to her?The detective searched for clues to reveal the motive.
Etymology:
The word motive comes from the Old French motif, meaning moving, which is derived from the Latin motivus meaning causing motion. It entered English in the late Middle Ages.
Usage Statistics:
18 mentions per 1 million words 
Hint: Frequency according to COCA
Often
Hint: Frequency according to COCA
© 2026 Lithium Lab Pte Ltd