1
a
: a subject or topic of discourse or of artistic representation
guilt and punishment is the theme of the story
b
: a specific and distinctive quality, characteristic, or concern
the campaign has lacked a theme
2
: a melodic subject of a musical composition or movement
3
: a written exercise : composition
a research theme
4
Examples of theme in a Sentence
If one theme unites his scholarship it is that the Old South cannot be viewed as a monolith.
—
Eric Foner, New York Times Book Review, 8 Apr. 2007
One reiterated theme of his book is that the electoral process can be the most dangerous of delusions, tending to confer a spurious legitimacy on those most willing to corrupt it.
—Hilary Mantel, New York Review, 21 Sept. 2006
The Eve of biblical legend was a temptress, thus initiating a lamentable theme in the history of sexism.
—Stephen Jay Gould, Discover, July 1992
The quest for power is the underlying theme of the film.
A constant theme in his novels is religion.
The playwright skillfully brings together various themes.
The album focuses on themes of love and loss.
Adventures are popular themes in children's books.
The growing deficit was a dominant theme in the election.
The party had a Hawaiian luau theme.
They played the theme from the movie “Rocky.”
Eric Foner, New York Times Book Review, 8 Apr. 2007
One reiterated theme of his book is that the electoral process can be the most dangerous of delusions, tending to confer a spurious legitimacy on those most willing to corrupt it.
—Hilary Mantel, New York Review, 21 Sept. 2006
The Eve of biblical legend was a temptress, thus initiating a lamentable theme in the history of sexism.
—Stephen Jay Gould, Discover, July 1992
The quest for power is the underlying theme of the film.
A constant theme in his novels is religion.
The playwright skillfully brings together various themes.
The album focuses on themes of love and loss.
Adventures are popular themes in children's books.
The growing deficit was a dominant theme in the election.
The party had a Hawaiian luau theme.
They played the theme from the movie “Rocky.”
Recent Examples on the Web
That has been the theme during English sides’ pre-season campaigns too, with Arsenal’s 15-year-old midfielder Max Dowman and 16-year-old Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha impressing.
—The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2025
Funny, joyous, incredibly moving, Passing Strange touches on several of Lee’s favorite themes (race, family) but his underrated gift for working with actors is on full display here.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 16 Aug. 2025
Humiliation, more than anything else, has been the theme of all three seasons of And Just Like That, a cringe comedy without comedy.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 15 Aug. 2025
Paddle in paradise is the theme of the Beaches, which now offers all-inclusive pickleball vacations at its oceanfront resorts in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos.
—Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theme
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The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2025
Funny, joyous, incredibly moving, Passing Strange touches on several of Lee’s favorite themes (race, family) but his underrated gift for working with actors is on full display here.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 16 Aug. 2025
Humiliation, more than anything else, has been the theme of all three seasons of And Just Like That, a cringe comedy without comedy.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 15 Aug. 2025
Paddle in paradise is the theme of the Beaches, which now offers all-inclusive pickleball vacations at its oceanfront resorts in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos.
—Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theme
Cite this Entry
“Theme.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theme. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
theme
noun1
a
: a subject for a work of literature, art, or music
guilt and punishment is the theme of the story
b
: a specific and distinctive quality, characteristic, or concern
the house was decorated in a country theme
2
: a written exercise : composition
thematic
adjective
thi-ˈmat-ik
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