ulterior

/əlˈtɪriər/

/əlˈtɪrjə/

An ulterior interest, argument, or revelation is one you try to keep hidden, like your ulterior motive for weeding your grandmother's garden is to have a conversation with your crush — and Grandma's neighbor — who happens to be outside, too.

The adjective ulterior is a Latin word which means “more distant” or “future.” Something that is ulterior may lay the groundwork for what comes later, like a new friend who hangs out with you at your house but whose ulterior motive is to date one of your siblings, or the incredible popularity of a series of novels set in a real place having the ulterior consequences of that place becoming a tourist destination.

Definitions of ulterior

1. adjective

   lying beyond what is openly revealed or avowed (especially being kept in the background or deliberately concealed)
   “"looked too closely for an ulterior purpose in all knowledge"- Bertrand Russell”

   synonyms: subterranean, subterraneous

   covert

   secret or hidden; not openly practiced or engaged in or shown or avowed
2. adjective

   beyond or outside an area of immediate interest; remote
   “a suggestion ulterior to the present discussion”

   “"without...any purpose, immediate or ulterior"- G.B.Shaw”

   synonyms:

   distant, remote

   far apart in relevance or relationship or kinship
3. adjective

   coming at a subsequent time or stage
   “without ulterior argument”

   synonyms: later, posterior

   subsequent

   following in time or order