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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of motif
A lot of welcome Hotel Art Thief motifs recur here — an amazing old guy, a fake podcast recording session, POV gun violence (thanks to a cop body cam), and a plotline pulling all the irreverence together — subtly seeded throughout the series and ultimately leading to violence.
—
Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 26 June 2025
Those motifs appeared on some of the outerwear, too.
—Julian Randall, Essence, 25 June 2025
From performance linens to playful motifs and lazy bed-making routines, 2025 is all about embracing bedding trends that feel easy and look elevated.
—Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 June 2025
The silk suit with a jacquard motif of a siren, paying tribute to the Greek mythological Parthenope, proved the sartorial expertise of the brand.
—Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for motif
Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 26 June 2025
Those motifs appeared on some of the outerwear, too.
—Julian Randall, Essence, 25 June 2025
From performance linens to playful motifs and lazy bed-making routines, 2025 is all about embracing bedding trends that feel easy and look elevated.
—Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 June 2025
The silk suit with a jacquard motif of a siren, paying tribute to the Greek mythological Parthenope, proved the sartorial expertise of the brand.
—Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for motif
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motif
Noun
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Expert event planner and hostess, Brittney Winbush, encourages us not to shy away from a good theme.—
Dominique Fluker,
Essence,
11 July 2025
-
Rates have been a theme for institutions going back to about April 17.—
Tanaya Macheel,
CNBC,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
The move to fall will give Watson, which launched with a 13-episode run earlier this year, a typical air pattern.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
11 July 2025
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The lawsuit also alleges fraud, manipulation of the legal system, and a pattern of intimidation — claims JAY-Z’s legal team flatly denies.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
Classes focus on a variety of topics like the Hmong language, culture and history, calculus, psychology and more.—
Mia Thurow,
jsonline.com,
8 July 2025
-
This is especially important when tackling sensitive topics, such as mental health or chronic illness.—
Kamya Elawadhi,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
Musetti wore a white, leather Bottega Veneta jacket with a woven leather design.—
Merlisa Lawrence Corbett,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
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This set of over-ear cans from Puro Sound Labs has a conservative design in black and is big enough for some adults.—
Simon Hill Adrienne So,
Wired News,
6 July 2025
Noun
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Every one of the strikeouts Padres relief pitcher Jason Adam hurls matters.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 July 2025
-
Hook believes that talent will always rise to the top no matter where players are drafted.—
Melissa Lockard,
New York Times,
7 July 2025
Noun
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The White House did not respond to questions about why the climate report website was taken down, or whether the administration plans to create the next edition of the climate assessment as Congress mandates.—
Rebecca Hersher,
NPR,
1 July 2025
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In his latest book, Is a River Alive?, Macfarlane travels to three very different rivers (in Ecuador, India and Quebec) to examine the question of a river’s sovereignty.—
Brianne Kane,
Scientific American,
1 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Motif.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motif. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.
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