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
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
-
Disqualifying factors for Safe Street workers include a history of arson, rape or crimes involving children; active warrants, probation or parole violations; or any patterns of criminal conduct that suggest the person is an active risk to public safety, Mavronis said.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
-
The Sun, as has been their pattern, stayed in the game, and Saniya Rivers’ floater at the end left the Sun trailing by one.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
Similarly, nonfiction about topics completely outside your everyday experience is also beneficial, improving your ability to focus and think critically about problems from multiple perspectives.—
Esther K. Choy,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
-
Some of the most successful faceless channels are centered around narrow educational topics.—
Andrew Zucker,
HollywoodReporter,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
Britain has consulted teachers, parents and young people on new restrictions, including a possible ban for under-16s, as well as curfews, app time limits and curbs on what the government has described as addictive design features.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
15 June 2026
-
Textured walls and ceilings were also a flop with design pros in the kitchen.—
Cori Sears,
The Spruce,
14 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
-
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 16 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
