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
Synonyms
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
Designed by Grey Boroff at House of Grey Events and held at The Hampton Social, guests enjoyed specialty cocktails inspired by the theme, as well as the fine-line tattoo of your choice.
—Katie Kauss, Peoplemag, 7 June 2024
Teachers are made to fear introducing students to themes of slavery, segregation, and racial justice.
—John M. Giggie / Made By History, TIME, 7 June 2024
Image The still lifes are built around themes, and some seem straightforward.
—Holland Cotter, New York Times, 7 June 2024
Spirit Day Kid Stress Some of the themes are even upsetting to my kids, like twin day.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 6 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for theme 
Katie Kauss, Peoplemag, 7 June 2024
Teachers are made to fear introducing students to themes of slavery, segregation, and racial justice.
—John M. Giggie / Made By History, TIME, 7 June 2024
Image The still lifes are built around themes, and some seem straightforward.
—Holland Cotter, New York Times, 7 June 2024
Spirit Day Kid Stress Some of the themes are even upsetting to my kids, like twin day.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 6 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for theme
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'theme.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near theme
Cite this Entry
“Theme.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theme. Accessed 15 Jun. 2024.
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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