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 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
  1. madrigal
  2. aria
  3. cantata
  4. chant
  5. chorus
  6. chanson
  7. ballad
  8. lullaby
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
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
  • When not excavating and eating Rosenthal’s bread and cheese, the men rehearse for a musical comedy performance featuring a chorus line of men in drag.
    — Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 18 July 2026
  • Porter Police Chief Dan Dickey, supported by the Porter Town Council, joined the chorus.
    — Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 17 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
  • Those digital Mellotrons balanced against Wilson’s dry 2000s alt-rock production cast Åkerfeldt’s ballads into a searching, uncanny drift at the outskirts of the metal landscape.
    — Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 19 July 2026
  • While the non-prerecorded vocals were appreciated, his ballad felt oddly shoehorned into what was otherwise a vigorous, energetic halftime.
    — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 19 July 2026
Definition of ballad
Noun
  • 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
  • Later, piano slices through the fog with a supernatural three-note lullaby that springs just off the beat, racing forward through the song’s misty backdrop.
    — Vanessa Ague, Pitchfork, 26 June 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 25 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on motet

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about motet

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