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
Throughout their testimonies on Friday, there were common themes: The abuse was so traumatizing that those who are married haven’t shared what happened with their wives and pray their children will never learn the truth.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 24 May 2025
In addition, the other theme of this article holds true: think differently than the competition.
—Rebecca Fraser-Thill, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Nearly one-third of the way through the season, the Cubs’ propensity for big innings, especially late in games, is a continuing theme.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2025
The latter two are themes the artist first discovered as a child at her grandmother’s house.
—Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for theme
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Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 24 May 2025
In addition, the other theme of this article holds true: think differently than the competition.
—Rebecca Fraser-Thill, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Nearly one-third of the way through the season, the Cubs’ propensity for big innings, especially late in games, is a continuing theme.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2025
The latter two are themes the artist first discovered as a child at her grandmother’s house.
—Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 24 May 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 31 May. 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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