Collocations for motive - noun

hidden, ulterior | clear, good, strong
There seemed to be no clear motive for the attack. | I''d say he had a very strong motive for wanting her dead.

high, pure
He was acting from the highest motives when he offered her money.

base, selfish | prime | real | underlying
She was not sure what his underlying motives were.

mixed
We give aid to other countries with mixed motives.

financial, political, racial

be inspired by, have
She knew that he was inspired by base motives.

establish, find, suggest
The police are still trying to establish a motive for the attack.

be suspicious of, examine, question
He was suspicious of her motives in inviting him into the house. | She should examine her motives for marrying him.

explain
However you explain the motives behind his actions, he was still wrong.

understand

~ in
What was their motive in setting fire to the building?

~ behind
There is no doubt about the motive behind it all.

~ for
There may be a hidden motive for his departure.

~ of
acting from motives of revenge