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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 aesthetic Eye-pleasing patterns, mystical motifs, and fun, boldly colored pairings.
—
Bridget Mills-Powell, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 May 2026
Metro’s three new D line extension stations feature nine public artworks
Art deco motifs, fossils and massive drawings of hands are among the installations that will greet riders passing through the three new stations on L.A. Metro’s D Line extension.
—Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
Released on April 14—aka 414 Day, a local pride celebration that’s a nod to the city’s area code—the shoe features a city map design, a viewfinder motif on the tongue, and a cream color way in honor of Milwaukee's nickname as the Cream City.
—Midwest Living, 7 May 2026
This Timex x Harry Potter collab features multiple leather watches themed after Harry Potter’s iconic motifs, including the four Hogwarts Houses, the sorting hat, and the 3/4 platform where Harry and his friends transport themselves from the muggle realm to the wizarding world.
—Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for motif
Bridget Mills-Powell, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 May 2026
Metro’s three new D line extension stations feature nine public artworks
Art deco motifs, fossils and massive drawings of hands are among the installations that will greet riders passing through the three new stations on L.A. Metro’s D Line extension.
—Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
Released on April 14—aka 414 Day, a local pride celebration that’s a nod to the city’s area code—the shoe features a city map design, a viewfinder motif on the tongue, and a cream color way in honor of Milwaukee's nickname as the Cream City.
—Midwest Living, 7 May 2026
This Timex x Harry Potter collab features multiple leather watches themed after Harry Potter’s iconic motifs, including the four Hogwarts Houses, the sorting hat, and the 3/4 platform where Harry and his friends transport themselves from the muggle realm to the wizarding world.
—Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for motif
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motif
Noun
-
Surawut explained that Thailand has not been producing many martial arts action films recently, although that is the genre the country is known for internationally, and decided to resurrect it for a younger audience with a video gaming theme.—
Liz Shackleton,
Deadline,
19 May 2026
-
The seated section, meanwhile, was packed with polite Gen Xers and boomers, with men sporting collared shirts and varying stages of baldness otherwise being the closest thing to a common theme.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
The idea is being studied by scientists, who warn that impacts may be unpredictable, including changes in rain patterns, draughts and unforeseen weather changes.—
Tereza Pultarova,
Space.com,
18 May 2026
-
So, too, has ball progression from their initial build-up phase after last summer’s sale of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, as well as a lack of patterns of play in the final third.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
The conservatism that would eventually hobble the daytime soap had its roots in this era, when soap viewers with especially fragile sensibilities had specific conceptions of what topics a soap should cover and made no bones about airing their protests.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
-
Ironically, one of the few issues that Jeffries is identified with is the very topic that now most threatens to divide the Democratic Party.—
Jason Zengerle,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
These 100-percent linen pants have practical front panel pockets for holding small essentials, and shoppers praised the tapered design and ankle-length cut that work well on petite frames.—
Destinee Scott,
Travel + Leisure,
18 May 2026
-
Set the scene One of the first things that jumps out at any of 1 Hotels' locations is the biophilic design.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
To make matters worse, Haliburton dealt with shingles during his recovery this season.—
Law Murray,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
-
The Stanford-within-Stanford Baker exposes matters to you even if this exclusive core feels impossibly distant.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 May 2026
Noun
-
The city promised to refund businesses that obtained special licenses and health permits to participate in the event, and referred questions about ticket refunds and vendor participation fees to Long Beach Pride.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
16 May 2026
-
There’s also a lifestyle concierge to help book all sorts of experiences or answer any questions, from arranging a tour of Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul to coordinating a private driver to Teotihuacán.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Motif.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motif. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
