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
If pitching help is the theme, Mets No. 18 prospect Nate Dohm and No. 25 prospect Dom Hamel are options.
—Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
On that note, the full moon in Scorpio on May 12 brings focus to themes surrounding home and family, which could potentially bring significant shifts to your personal life and emotional needs.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 12 May 2025
In his conversation with ESSENCE, Burton expanded on that theme, offering advice to young people trying to find their place in the world.
—Oumou Fofana, Essence, 12 May 2025
But if there were random scripts through three games — all high-scoring affairs with one-off themes — Sunday night took the Panthers back to their roots.
—Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for theme
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Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
On that note, the full moon in Scorpio on May 12 brings focus to themes surrounding home and family, which could potentially bring significant shifts to your personal life and emotional needs.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 12 May 2025
In his conversation with ESSENCE, Burton expanded on that theme, offering advice to young people trying to find their place in the world.
—Oumou Fofana, Essence, 12 May 2025
But if there were random scripts through three games — all high-scoring affairs with one-off themes — Sunday night took the Panthers back to their roots.
—Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 12 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 24 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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