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
Therein, Levinson’s awkward Western motif comes to its inevitable conclusion with a standoff between Black Hat and no hat, evil and used-to-be-good, Ali and Alamo.
—
Ben Travers, IndieWire, 1 June 2026
Via a deft blend of design elements from David Yurman’s cable jewelry and its Liberty high jewelry collection, the brand accomplishes a distinctive motif.
—Roberta Naas, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
His short tells the story of a hopeful model trying out for an ad for the fictional El Dorado drink that has been a motif of this current Avalanches rollout.
—Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 1 June 2026
This will be a recurring motif, these kind of light rings.
—Rachel Handler, Vulture, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for motif
Ben Travers, IndieWire, 1 June 2026
Via a deft blend of design elements from David Yurman’s cable jewelry and its Liberty high jewelry collection, the brand accomplishes a distinctive motif.
—Roberta Naas, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
His short tells the story of a hopeful model trying out for an ad for the fictional El Dorado drink that has been a motif of this current Avalanches rollout.
—Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 1 June 2026
This will be a recurring motif, these kind of light rings.
—Rachel Handler, Vulture, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for motif
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motif
Noun
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The rest of this book explores these themes.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 June 2026
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What’s fun about the Love Island USA challenges is the complex set designs and costumes all around a theme that isn’t entirely necessary but adds to the overall campiness of the show.—
Carolyn Burt,
Oc Register,
9 June 2026
Noun
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Choose between 20 colors and patterns, including a fun leopard print.—
Claire West,
PEOPLE,
7 June 2026
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The study included 103 adults who were asked to meditate while their brain activity was monitored using an electroencephalogram or EEG test, a tool that measures electrical patterns in the brain through sensors placed on the scalp.—
Jacqueline Howard,
CNN Money,
7 June 2026
Noun
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Backers of the mayor accused Raman of changing her position on an array of topics, including police hiring, the city’s anti-encampment law and even who should be mayor.—
Noah Goldberg,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
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But who would not wish for more paragraphs on these topics, produced by this particular writer?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 June 2026
Noun
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Carven has appointed Kai Nesselrath as design director, succeeding Mark Thomas, who exited the French fashion house in April.—
Laure Guilbault,
Vogue,
8 June 2026
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With an exterior that looks more like a circular UFO, the structure is a departure from the rail-carriage design common among many American diners.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
Noun
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The sources spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters.—
Kate Linthicum,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
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The city manager issued a statement saying the city is aware of the incident, takes the matter seriously, and confirmed that Ray had been relieved of her duties.—
Chelsea Jones,
CBS News,
3 June 2026
Noun
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So the question is no longer theoretical.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
30 May 2026
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Amble Health did not respond to questions for this article.—
Maia Rosenfeld,
NBC news,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Motif.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motif. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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