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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of motif
Not to be misinterpreted (and to keep with the interview motif), Lestat also invites Daniel (Eric Bogosian) to shoot a documentary of the band’s first tour.
—
Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 June 2026
The piece is yarn-dyed with a vibrant mix of blue, orange, and yellow hues and features a detailed pattern with medallion and botanical motifs.
—Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 7 June 2026
This 100% linen bedding is designed by artisans in Jaipur and takes inspiration from traditional Palestinian Tree of Life and Mountain motifs.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 6 June 2026
What drew her into a specific archetype or motif?
—Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for motif
Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 June 2026
The piece is yarn-dyed with a vibrant mix of blue, orange, and yellow hues and features a detailed pattern with medallion and botanical motifs.
—Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 7 June 2026
This 100% linen bedding is designed by artisans in Jaipur and takes inspiration from traditional Palestinian Tree of Life and Mountain motifs.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 6 June 2026
What drew her into a specific archetype or motif?
—Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for motif
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motif
Noun
-
The rest of this book explores these themes.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 June 2026
-
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
-
Choose between 20 colors and patterns, including a fun leopard print.—
Claire West,
PEOPLE,
7 June 2026
-
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
-
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
-
But who would not wish for more paragraphs on these topics, produced by this particular writer?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
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
-
Trump being three years younger than Biden doesn’t matter anymore, because nothing the Bidens do matters anymore.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
-
Messaging and voter contact matter, and that's where Ford may have an advantage.—
Paul Boger,
NPR,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
Iran’s diplomatic delegation to the United Nations did not immediately return a request for comment, and the White House did not immediately reply to questions from CNN.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
13 June 2026
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As is, the agreement does not resolve the question of Iran’s nuclear program, according to Aragchi, who said nuclear matters would be negotiated further down the line.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
13 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Motif.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motif. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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