THEME Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

theme

noun

ˈthēm

Definition of theme

as in topic

a major object of interest or concern (as in a discussion or artistic composition) this dance piece deals with the timeless themes of birth and death

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in article

a short piece of writing done as a school exercise please write a one page theme on the main character of this book

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in essay

a short piece of writing typically expressing a point of view the magazine will award a scholarship to the student who writes the best theme on the concept of personal freedom

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 theme This time around, the show themes included Japanese grand tourers, a tribute to the Lamborghini Diablo, and a commemoration of the Route 66 centenary. — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026 The theme of this year’s festival — which doubles as the largest fundraiser of the year for Sacramento’s Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum — is reggae, and nods to the Caribbean music genre were present throughout the event. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 15 Aug. 2026 The photos evoke themes of war, poverty, community, family and humanity. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2026 Burke is not the first artist to explore dark themes in his music and lyrics. — Krystie Lee Yandoli, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for theme

Recent Examples of Synonyms for theme

Noun

Mental preparation, recovery strategies, and how to interact with the community are all sure to be topics of conversation in the meal room.

— Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
Petersen allegedly deferred to a male sergeant’s expertise on topics including firearms and internal affairs while dismissing Kennon’s expertise in other areas.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of topic

Noun

The latest in Christine Molloy and Joe Lawlor’s series of cinematic essays is a rich and thought- provoking journey through aging, legacy and the intersection between artistic and personal relationships.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026
The latest in Christine Molloy and Joe Lawlor’s series of cinematic essays is a rich and thought-provoking journey through aging, legacy and the intersection between artistic and personal relationships.

— Alex Ritman, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of essay

Noun

Andy Burnham got the famous Manchester worker bee logo inked on his arm while mayor of the city and this shirt has that very same motif scattered all over it.

— Nick Miller, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
The design sheds the current generation’s swoopier and more angular aesthetic for a blocky motif and front and rear LED strips.

— Adam Ismail, The Drive, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of motif

Noun

Even the waste paper basket comes in the blue Portuguese tile design used throughout the property, adding color and warmth to the white marble space.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
In the 1200s, Italian papermakers developed a technology to add subtle, distinctive markings to the paper that came from their individual mills.

— Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of paper

Noun

Taking the extra time to turn off your engine matters and can make things safer for you and everyone around you.

— Molly Burford, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026
At a time when antisemitism is too often minimized, rationalized or repackaged in more socially acceptable language, this kind of moral clarity matters.

— Tom Tapp, Deadline, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of matter

Noun

Read More TopicsVenice Film Festival Get the latest fashion stories, style, and tips, handpicked for you, everyday.

— Radhika Seth, Vogue, 23 Aug. 2026
Still, state media have been highlighting stories about cafes and other businesses being forced to close for failing to enforce rules on clothing.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of story

Noun

Women considering enlistment are generally more likely to ask practical questions about pregnancy policies, hygiene and whether barracks were coed, recruiters and women currently serving explained.

— Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
But there is a deeper question of why a modern tech company, especially an AI company, would need to soften their image with cotton and canvas.

— T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of question

Browse Nearby Words

(the) masses

theme

themes

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Theme.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theme. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of theme

noun

Example Sentences

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