Meaning & use
ulterior motive
A hidden, often selfish reason for doing something that is concealed behind an apparent one.
See it in a sentence
He offered to help move furniture, but his ulterior motive was meeting her roommate.
The donation seemed generous until reporters uncovered the company's ulterior motive.
A note on using this word
It always implies concealment; a motive stated openly, even if selfish, is not called ulterior.
Words with a similar meaning
hidden agenda
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
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