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
What’s kept it alive is its adaptability, with each new season tackling fresh themes that resonate with contemporary audiences.
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 12 Oct. 2025
In the looming contract talks between Hollywood studios and above-the-line unions, confusion around AI and issues raised by the debut of synthetic actress Tilly Norwood are certain to be key themes.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2025
One of the themes in the book is exploring contradictions, in both yourself and your characters.
—Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2025
The common theme in all of this is that the Chiefs are relying too heavily on a few players to lead them to success.
—Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theme
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Marta Balaga, Variety, 12 Oct. 2025
In the looming contract talks between Hollywood studios and above-the-line unions, confusion around AI and issues raised by the debut of synthetic actress Tilly Norwood are certain to be key themes.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2025
One of the themes in the book is exploring contradictions, in both yourself and your characters.
—Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2025
The common theme in all of this is that the Chiefs are relying too heavily on a few players to lead them to success.
—Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 12 Oct. 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 17 Oct. 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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