motif

noun

mō-ˈtēf How to pronounce motif (audio)
Definition of motifnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pattern
a unit of decoration that is repeated all over something (as a fabric) the fabric for the upholstery features a scallop shell motif

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 motif The bride followed a tradition of wearing red for her Indian ceremony the next day, choosing a red Sabyasachi sari with vintage motifs of rickshaws and gramophones. — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026 Heritage lingerie references, natural materials, nostalgic motifs and traditional techniques are being reinterpreted through contemporary silhouettes, technologies and styling. — Sj Studio, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026 The rotor, plated in 5N rose gold, is also inspired by a wind motif while the screw is polished in black. — Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 1 Sep. 2026 Comprising diamonds with a combined weight of more than 200 carats, the missing necklace features a six-carat central stone surrounded by lines of baguette diamonds and hundreds of smaller gems arranged in a sunburst motif. — Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for motif
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motif
  1. theme
  2. pattern
  3. topic
  4. design
  5. matter
  6. question
Noun
  • The amount of business done between Premier League clubs quickly emerged as the defining theme of this summer’s transfer window.
    — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • At San Sebastián, the film is also in contention for the Sebastiane Award, an honor for films exploring LGBTQIA+ themes and experiences.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of theme
Noun
  • The pattern should begin to break later in the week as a cold front moves through, bringing lower temperatures and humidity for Labor Day weekend.
    — Mike Stunson, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The supply shortage for memory and components shows few signs of abating, signaling that gadgets may be more expensive going forward, permanently changing demand patterns and competition.
    — Kif Leswing, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of pattern
Noun
  • Such poetic license offers little new insight into a topic that has already been picked over for two decades, but it might be forgiven were Hansen as easily dramatized as he is made fun of.
    — Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
  • At the University of Miami, the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science is spearheading sea-rise research and has even offered an undergraduate course devoted to the topic.
    — Zoey Thomas, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of topic
Noun
  • The contestants will have to design a wedding dress that showcases their style, and the winning design will be produced and sold by David’s Bridal.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The researchers say a phase-change heatsink can reduce size and weight by more than 50 percent while maintaining the thermal capacity of a conventional design.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of design
Noun
  • The Justice Department, Federal Trade Commission, and Canada’s Competition Bureau have worked together for decades on cross-border antitrust matters, including merger reviews and investigations into potential anticompetitive conduct.
    — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Gutman declined comment on the matter through a CBS News representative.
    — Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of matter
Noun
  • Clear information gives everyone a fair chance to ask questions and prevents resentment from filling in the missing details.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Authorities were not immediately sure what caused the crash, and Cordero-Stutz declined to answer additional questions from reporters.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of question

Browse Nearby Words

mother wit
motif
motifs
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Cite this Entry

“Motif.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motif. Accessed 9 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on motif

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about motif

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