Crossword clue
Motive crossword clue
We have 16 answers for the clue “Motive”, from 3–10 letters. The most likely answer is REASON.
All answers for “Motive”
| Answer | Letters | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 3-letter answers | ||
| AIM | 3 | Purpose or intention |
| WHY | 3 | Reason, as in "the whys" |
| 4-letter answers | ||
| SPUR | 4 | Stimulus |
| 5-letter answers | ||
| CAUSE | 5 | Reason for an action |
| DRIVE | 5 | Innate urge |
| 6-letter answers | ||
| REASON Best match | 6 | Cause or explanation |
| GROUND | 6 | Basis for action |
| INTENT | 6 | Intention or purpose |
| 7-letter answers | ||
| GROUNDS | 7 | Justifying reasons |
| PURPOSE | 7 | Reason for doing something |
| IMPETUS | 7 | Driving force |
| 8-letter answers | ||
| STIMULUS | 8 | Something that prompts action |
| 9-letter answers | ||
| RATIONALE | 9 | Set of reasons |
| INCENTIVE | 9 | Thing that motivates |
| 10-letter answers | ||
| MOTIVATION | 10 | Reason for acting |
| INDUCEMENT | 10 | Thing that persuades |
No answers match those letters. Try the crossword solver, which searches the whole dictionary.
What does “Motive” mean?
A motive is a reason for doing something, especially one that is hidden or not obvious. As an adjective, motive means producing physical motion (motive power).
Solving tip
REASON is the most likely answer; also CAUSE, AIM and INTENT. In crime-themed clues, MOTIVE pairs with MEANS and OPPORTUNITY.
Frequently asked questions
What is the answer to the crossword clue "Motive"?
The most likely answer is REASON (6 letters) — Cause or explanation. Other common answers are CAUSE (5), GROUND (6), GROUNDS (7), AIM (3).
How many letters are in the answer to "Motive"?
Answers to "Motive" range from 3–10 letters. Count the squares in your grid and use the length filter on this page to narrow the list.