1
as in theme
a major object of interest or concern (as in a discussion or artistic composition)
the motif of mute figures standing in lonely isolation is a recurrent one in the artist's works
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Recent Examples of motif
Similarly, every motif woven into the pieces represents some sort of message or folklore.
—
Anne Pinto-Rodrigues, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Mar. 2025
Consider black accents, dark metals like pewter, and subtle skull or raven motifs.
—Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Mar. 2025
Guinea fowl, small birds that can take down predators while working in groups, become an apt metaphor for the way the women bond together, as well as a haunting visual motif.
—Esther Zuckerman, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2025
The border motifs are not in keeping with Opus Anglicanum work from the 12th or 14th centuries.
—Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motif
Anne Pinto-Rodrigues, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Mar. 2025
Consider black accents, dark metals like pewter, and subtle skull or raven motifs.
—Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Mar. 2025
Guinea fowl, small birds that can take down predators while working in groups, become an apt metaphor for the way the women bond together, as well as a haunting visual motif.
—Esther Zuckerman, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2025
The border motifs are not in keeping with Opus Anglicanum work from the 12th or 14th centuries.
—Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motif
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motif
Noun
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Dion encouraged Smith to sing along to the Titanic theme.—
Marina Watts,
People.com,
21 Mar. 2025
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Bad luck has been mixed into some of the Sabres’ low moments, but the recurring theme is a team that lacks situational awareness and maturity.—
Matthew Fairburn,
The Athletic,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
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With the data collected over the years, researchers were able to develop a clearer picture of the sharks’ movements and behavior patterns in the area.—
Melissa Cristina Márquez,
Forbes,
24 Mar. 2025
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This also means that Gen Z people — who currently exhibit more spending on both essentials and non-essentials compared to previous generations — is expected to have a huge impact on global spending patterns.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
23 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The main topic of conversation was how the duo turned a photo album featuring the banal daily activities of workers at Auschwitz-Birkenau into a searing play.—
Jessica Gelt,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Mar. 2025
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Her interests extend to topics such as human evolution, psychology, and quirky animal stories.—
Jenny Lehmann,
Discover Magazine,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Greg Rubin from California Native Landscape Design will talk about native plant care and design during the noon Wednesday, April 2 Seven Oaks Garden Club meeting.—
Pomerado News,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 Mar. 2025
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In the pursuit of minimalism and functionality, high-end fashion and design are nearing genderless distinction.—
Sofia Celeste,
WWD,
20 Mar. 2025
Noun
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His role as an official advisor to Trump also does not involve military matters with China.—
Daniel S. Levine,
People.com,
21 Mar. 2025
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Then, there is the matter of how the benefits of some cover crops are not fully realized until they are incorporated into the soil.—
Anthony Reardon,
Kansas City Star,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
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There can be no question that this group is competing for one another, in a way that the Canucks too often didn’t earlier this season.—
Thomas Drance,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
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For forward-thinking business leaders, adopting a digital mailroom is no longer a question.—
Chris Gallagher,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Motif.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motif. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
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