motet

Definition of motetnext

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of motet According to Francisco, the composers represented no less than 30 print collections of solo songs, cantatas, motets, polyphonic works, settings for psalms and masses, a magnificat, a vespers service, a dozen sonatas, and scores for nine operas and other staged works. Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 27 Mar. 2024 An early breakthrough came from listening to a traditional singer of the Serer people, whose plaintive melody reminded Catta of a Renaissance motet. Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2022 Philippe Herreweghe led his Ghent choir in a fine performance of Mendelssohn’s motet. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 28 Aug. 2022 As well as hymns, a motet and a sermon, the solemn vespers would include a gigantic two-part oratorio composed by the church’s Cantor—the director of music—with a text taken from St. Matthew’s gospel. Boyd Tonkin, WSJ, 14 Apr. 2022 See All Example Sentences for motet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motet
Noun
  • The Spiritual Sound Marc-André Hamelin, Found Objects / Sound Objects The Beths, Straight Line Was a Lie A year like no other, my 2025 in music was filled with joyous arias and madrigals of melancholy.
    Rolling Stone, Rolling Stone, 29 Dec. 2025
  • This is a lovely fundraiser to assist in the preservation of the cemetery, and the day is filled with master gardeners offering advice, madrigals singing, an archaeology talk, refreshments, kids’ activities and lots of lovely spring plants for sale.
    Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Soprano Ana María Martínez performs the aria in the film (watch the video below).
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2026
  • This self-aggrandizing aria found a large audience, selling more than 100,000 copies in its first week and topping the charts on Amazon.
    Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 17 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Orff originally wrote it for tenor, that soloist’s single appearance in the cantata.
    Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Symphony San Jose is presenting the cantata in partnership with several Chinese American organizations, promising a performance of grandeur and a call for peace in the world.
    Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Students subsequently signed a pledge promising to say no to illicit substances and study two hours per night, and engaged in a call-and-response chant with Jackson.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Jackson turned the recitation into a call‑and‑response chant, often delivered with groups of children or large crowds.
    Diana Leyva, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The singer's warm baritone finds its sweet spot on the song's soaring chorus, which would let Benito do some vocal flexing.
    Pamela Avila, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Belichick’s omission from this year’s class has drawn criticism from the football world, and Gronkowski joined that chorus in his interview.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • There are intoxicating traces of chanson, jazz, chamber pop, and folk.
    Pitchfork, Pitchfork, 2 Dec. 2025
  • There’s no equivalent of Broadway in Paris, and thus no long tradition of musicals done on stage, so many of the French movies are set in actual locations, with seemingly real people who suddenly decide to belt out a chanson or break into a dance number.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • Recorded over a two-year period, Blue Mountain, Weir’s first solo album since 1978’s Heaven Help the Fool, was a beautifully ambient collection of modern-day ranch-hand ballads, and Weir soon launched an accompanying tour.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Handsomely lensed by Alexandre Nour Desjardins, who uses lots of warm light to give the interiors a nostalgic bent, the film also benefits from a melodic score by Joseph Marchand, with other scenes set to vintage Soviet-era pop ballads.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • As stars like comedian Trevor Noah, Blackpink's Jisoo, and F1 driver Charles Leclerc shared their favorite Pokémon in honor of their 30th anniversary, Lady Gaga paid homage to the adorable pink character by serenading a delighted Jigglypuff with its lullaby.
    Lara Walsh, InStyle, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The lullaby your grandmother hummed while shelling white beans into her apron, her voice low enough not to wake the war.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Motet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motet. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on motet

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!