Meaning & Definition of Ulterior in English

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

• "Subterranean motives for murder"

• "Looked too closely for an ulterior purpose in all knowledge"- bertrand russell

2. 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

3. Coming at a subsequent time or stage

• "Without ulterior argument"

• "The mood posterior to"