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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of motif
Among them were remnants of plaster featuring blue inscriptions, yellow star motifs, and portions of the Book of Amduat, a religious text associated with ancient Egyptian royal tombs.
—
Rosa Rahimi, CNN, 19 Feb. 2025
As for the rest of her attire, Queen Letizia continued the black accessories motif.
—Julia Teti, WWD, 18 Feb. 2025
This new collection’s hero motif, Chevron, was the throughline of the evening.
—Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 13 Feb. 2025
Both rooms are covered in vibrant Adelphi wallpaper with petite botanical motifs that look traditional in isolation but psychedelic when repeated.
—Blaine Davis, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motif
Rosa Rahimi, CNN, 19 Feb. 2025
As for the rest of her attire, Queen Letizia continued the black accessories motif.
—Julia Teti, WWD, 18 Feb. 2025
This new collection’s hero motif, Chevron, was the throughline of the evening.
—Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 13 Feb. 2025
Both rooms are covered in vibrant Adelphi wallpaper with petite botanical motifs that look traditional in isolation but psychedelic when repeated.
—Blaine Davis, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motif
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motif
Noun
-
While both puzzles are word-based, Connections challenges users to find common themes in a set of words.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
18 Feb. 2025
-
The hotel's theme is discovering the unknown, which is displayed in the lobby and the rooms with artful decorations.—
Megan duBois,
Southern Living,
17 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Usually, this is the most prominent triangular star pattern of the winter sky.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
17 Feb. 2025
-
While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
17 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Brendel Hightower writes about real estate and other topics for the Detroit Free Press.—
Brendel Hightower,
USA TODAY,
26 Feb. 2025
-
Many of us didn’t know each other and surface-level topics were exhausted after the first hour.—
Aditi Shrikant,
CNBC,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
But her path to becoming one of the most powerful people in the worlds of architecture and design can’t be easily traced with a T-square.—
Ian Thomas,
CNBC,
24 Feb. 2025
-
The color and design of these goggles are enough to up my ante, though.—
Alexandra Pereira,
Travel + Leisure,
24 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
As danger relentlessly pounds on the doors, Sloane begins to see the world through the eyes of people who actually want to live and takes matters into her own hands.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
25 Feb. 2025
-
Giannetti is said to have taken the matter seriously and relayed Lively’s concerns to Wayfarer.—
Pamela McClintock,
The Hollywood Reporter,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The question on sexuality is sensitive and about 7% of people typically decline to answer it.—
Elizabeth Weise,
USA TODAY,
21 Feb. 2025
-
Some experts think stories about climate issues don’t all have to be doom and gloom The question is, how can movies and TV shows that depict climate change spur viewers into action, or even to just become more climate aware, without scaring them?—
Dan Heching,
CNN,
20 Feb. 2025
Articles Related to motif
Cite this Entry
“Motif.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motif. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share