theme

noun

\ ˈthēm

Definition of theme

1a : 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 : stem sense 4

Other Words from theme Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about theme

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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.”

Recent Examples on the Web

Chopova Lowena emerges at a time when sustainability and clothing with a backstory, be it personal and historical, have become running themes in fashion. — Liana Satenstein, Vogue, "This English-Bulgarian Brand Is Making Fantastical Traditional Dress," 17 May 2019 For instance, communication will be a central theme in the life of a Gemini Ascendant, whereas innovation, progress, and nonconformity will define an Aquarius Ascendant’s experience. — Aliza Kelly Faragher, Allure, "The 12 Astrological Houses: Interpreting Your Birth Chart Beyond the Zodiac," 6 Oct. 2018 The outdoor beach culture was a guiding theme in how the bungalows were crafted. — Lucia Tonelli, ELLE Decor, "Three San Diego Bungalows Are Transformed Into Vibrant, History-Filled Getaways," 3 Oct. 2018 Kate's health struggles have been a constant theme in her life. — Eileen Reslen, Good Housekeeping, "The Important Things You Missed During the 'This Is Us' Season 3 Premiere," 26 Sep. 2018 Commemorated annually on July 11 by the United Nations, last year's theme was also about family planning with an emphasis on developing nations. — Editors, USA TODAY, "World Cup semifinal, NATO summit: 5 things you need to know Wednesday," 11 July 2018 The theme for this year’s competition was Conflict and Compromis. — Christina Hyder, Howard County Times, "Maple festival offers a bit of everything [North Laurel/Savage]," 6 July 2018 There are always people to learn from, which is the theme of the full moon in Libra on Friday, April 19. — Randon Rosenbohm, Allure, "What April’s Leo Horoscope Means for You," 31 Mar. 2019 Pope Francis devoted the first day of a two-day visit to Morocco on Saturday to two of his signature themes: the rights of migrants and relations between Christians and Muslims. — Francis X. Rocca, WSJ, "Pope Reaches Out to Muslims, Champions Migrants in Morocco," 30 Mar. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'theme.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.