1
as in theme
a major object of interest or concern (as in a discussion or artistic composition)
the motif of mute figures standing in lonely isolation is a recurrent one in the artist's works
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of motif
Arched French doors—a recurrent design motif throughout the property—open onto twin Juliet balconies with panoramic lake views.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Mar. 2026
The launch underscores the growing appeal of zodiac motifs in jewelry.
—Milena Lazazzera, CNN Money, 20 Mar. 2026
That’s true even when those films’ themes and motifs veer uncomfortably close to my daily life.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 20 Mar. 2026
Gellar continued the dark style motif with black heels and opted for minimal jewelry pieces, including delicate earrings and rings.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for motif
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Mar. 2026
The launch underscores the growing appeal of zodiac motifs in jewelry.
—Milena Lazazzera, CNN Money, 20 Mar. 2026
That’s true even when those films’ themes and motifs veer uncomfortably close to my daily life.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 20 Mar. 2026
Gellar continued the dark style motif with black heels and opted for minimal jewelry pieces, including delicate earrings and rings.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for motif
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motif
Noun
-
The theme for the first live show was songs of faith, with each contestant choosing a performance to match.—
Jessica Lynch,
Billboard,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The current exhibition at MAF highlights how his cinematic works functioned as experimental analyses of 20th-century America, exploring themes of consumerism, authoritarianism, and the existential threat of nuclear war.—
Robert Lang,
Deadline,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Unsettled pattern develops A stationary front will linger through the end of the week bringing a chance of rain each day from Thursday through the weekend.—
Gregory Padgett,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Once this pattern has been recognized, new ones can begin to be formed.—
Giles Harvey,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Choose a single topic or hobby to explore, then map a simple schedule for research or practice.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Research and polling suggests Latino voters prioritize cost-of-living issues — such as housing, wages and inflation — over immigration, a topic often emphasized in national messaging.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Felder, an architect with an obsessive streak, thought extensively about the design of his banner, ultimately opting for a white sign with lettering the precise shade of blue as the Star of David on the Israeli flag.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
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The museum is dedicated entirely to 19th-century German and Austrian art and design, with a collection that spans paintings, furniture, sculpture, photography, and manuscripts.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Salam said after an emergency Cabinet meeting in early March that only the state should decide on matters of war and peace and called on security agencies to prevent the firing of missiles or drones from Lebanon and detain those behind the launch.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 Mar. 2026
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The claim, remember, is that these cosmic voids are completely empty of normal matter, dark matter, and emit no detectable radiation of any kind.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
How will the question appear on the ballot?—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Steyer faced questions about his offshore investments before.—
Ben Paviour,
Sacbee.com,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Motif.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motif. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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