motet

noun

Definition of motetnext
as in madrigal

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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 Latin polyphony and motets are being sung at the Offertory and during the distribution of Holy Communion. — Arkansas Online, 7 June 2025 Her husband, my grandfather, was not only a composer who wrote liturgical music, motets, symphonies, and string quartets but also a beloved music teacher who believed that music was as crucial to the development of the mind as math. — Stephanie H. Murray, The Atlantic, 18 Dec. 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 See All Example Sentences for motet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motet
  1. madrigal
  2. aria
  3. cantata
  4. chant
  5. chorus
  6. chanson
  7. ballad
  8. lullaby
Noun
  • The concert will include Renaissance madrigals—one English and one French.
    — Myrna Petlicki, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026
  • 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
Definition of madrigal
Noun
  • The opera contains five arias, and Baby Doe sings three big duets all set to a uniquely American melodies.
    — Libby Smith, CBS News, 14 July 2026
  • The future of opera may depend less on who sings the next great aria than on who feels invited to stay after the curtain falls.
    — Helmut Paul, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
Definition of aria
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
Definition of cantata
Noun
  • Whichever one has the most annoying supporter chant, obviously.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 14 July 2026
  • One chant, celebrating legendary Argentine footballers Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, the serving team captain, referenced the Falkland Islands.
    — Colin Millar, New York Times, 14 July 2026
Definition of chant
Noun
  • Nighttime in the Okefenokee is filled with a wild cacophony — the choruses of pig frogs, hooting owls, crickets and sometimes the deep, nerve-jerking bellowing of bull alligators.
    — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
  • There’s always a ready audience, especially when the pesky Jewish state of Israel loudly refuses to join the chorus of condemnation and defends itself with force.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026
Definition of chorus
Noun
  • Above one entryway, a sword is lodged in the stone, said to have found its place there in the eighth century after being thrown more than 100 miles by Roland, the hero of the medieval chanson that bears his name.
    — Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026
  • There are intoxicating traces of chanson, jazz, chamber pop, and folk.
    — Pitchfork, Pitchfork, 2 Dec. 2025
Definition of chanson
Noun
  • The power ballad rises dramatically on both of the company’s worldwide songs tallies after debuting on the pair only one frame ago.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Originally conceived as a slow ballad, the song evolved into a brighter, more expansive arrangement.
    — SPIN Staff, SPIN, 20 July 2026
Definition of ballad
Noun
  • Reilly, who composed the song wholesale, seems content to swap his Satie-esque irresolution for something straightforwardly plaintive, like a lullaby.
    — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026
  • The book will also be accompanied by a forthcoming lullaby written and performed by Mercer, extending the story beyond the page, while the audiobook edition will be narrated by the musician himself.
    — SPIN Staff, SPIN, 15 July 2026
Definition of lullaby

Browse Nearby Words

motes
motet
motets
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Cite this Entry

“Motet.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motet. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on motet

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about motet

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