ULTERIOR

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does ulterior mean? 

• ULTERIOR (adjective)
  The adjective ULTERIOR has 3 senses:

1. lying beyond what is openly revealed or avowed (especially being kept in the background or deliberately concealed)

2. beyond or outside an area of immediate interest; remote

3. coming at a subsequent time or stage

  Familiarity information: ULTERIOR used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• ULTERIOR (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Lying beyond what is openly revealed or avowed (especially being kept in the background or deliberately concealed)

Synonyms:

subterranean; subterraneous; ulterior

Context example:

looked too closely for an ulterior purpose in all knowledge

Similar:

covert (secret or hidden; not openly practiced or engaged in or shown or avowed)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Beyond or outside an area of immediate interest; remote

Context example:

without...any purpose, immediate or ulterior

Similar:

distant; remote (far apart in relevance or relationship or kinship)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Coming at a subsequent time or stage

Synonyms:

later; posterior; ulterior

Context example:

the mood posterior to

Similar:

subsequent (following in time or order)

 Context examples 

There was no telling when the god's ulterior motive might be disclosed.

(White Fang, by Jack London)

That the engrossing object of—HEEP—was, next to gain, to subdue Mr. and Miss W. (of his ulterior views in reference to the latter I say nothing) entirely to himself.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)