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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Cabrera’s abstract leanings, which differed from nationalist motifs then popular with Mexican muralists, drew her closer to the Generación de la Ruptura movement of artists, beginning in the 1950s. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 7 Sep. 2026 Available in three designs—pumpkins, leaves, and sunflowers—each features a sculptural motif that feels thoughtful without being overly themed. — Danielle Bouchard, Martha Stewart, 7 Sep. 2026 And Brunello Cucinelli melds Fair Isle and Scandinavian devices to create a motif entirely unique to the house. — Jon Roth, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 2026 Many visual motifs emerge, most notably the men in the crowd who shed any inhibitions to cry, dance, and belt the songs at the top of their lungs. — Marshall Shaffer, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 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
  • This pattern is likely to continue away to Manchester United in the third round of the Carabao Cup next week — Steele kept goal at Old Trafford for a 2-1 win in the third round of the FA Cup in January.
    — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Many scientists, however, have expressed fears that solar geoengineering could have disastrous global implications, including dramatically altering weather patterns.
    — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 8 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 shape of a Project Runway episode was discernible here — conversations with the designers about their inspirations, an in-depth look at their design process, backstage time at the runway shows — but the execution was Temu level.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
  • At the very least, these designs showcased Fleury’s creativity, especially in his first regular-season game as an offensive play caller.
    — Andrew Destin, New York Times, 11 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

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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 12 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on motif

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about motif

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