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
Things might heat up for you mid-month when Jupiter in Gemini squares the North Node in Pisces on May 18, echoing themes that began back in December 2024 around expansion, fate, and trusting your life’s direction.
—Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 May 2025
Check out the trailer for Tales of the Underworld here, which gives players a preview of the show’s darker tone and more mature themes (as well as a taste of some of the violence and battles scenes, which parents should be aware of).
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 30 Apr. 2025
Here, The Athletic’s writers unpack some key themes that helped Slot’s side clinch the title.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
These tactical hedges share a theme: if the digital dollar does not exist, create functional equivalents.
—Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theme
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Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 May 2025
Check out the trailer for Tales of the Underworld here, which gives players a preview of the show’s darker tone and more mature themes (as well as a taste of some of the violence and battles scenes, which parents should be aware of).
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 30 Apr. 2025
Here, The Athletic’s writers unpack some key themes that helped Slot’s side clinch the title.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
These tactical hedges share a theme: if the digital dollar does not exist, create functional equivalents.
—Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 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 4 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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