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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of motif
Often referred to as micro collections in the design world, these sentimental pieces can center around a specific style or period of art, an animal motif, a hobby, whimsical antiques — anything that brings the homeowner delight.
—
Ryan Conner, Dallas Morning News, 26 Jan. 2026
Williams knows how to humanize this bare-bones vocabulary, minutely adjusting the voicing of a chord or caressing the last of a set of recurring motifs with a regretful ritardando.
—Alex Ross, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
The star motif threaded through All American F*ckboy—sometimes literally replacing letters—reclaims Americana on his own terms.
—Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Adding gold stars is the perfect way to transform your nail art from simple lines to a full starry-night motif.
—Odeya Pinkus, InStyle, 25 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for motif
Ryan Conner, Dallas Morning News, 26 Jan. 2026
Williams knows how to humanize this bare-bones vocabulary, minutely adjusting the voicing of a chord or caressing the last of a set of recurring motifs with a regretful ritardando.
—Alex Ross, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
The star motif threaded through All American F*ckboy—sometimes literally replacing letters—reclaims Americana on his own terms.
—Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Adding gold stars is the perfect way to transform your nail art from simple lines to a full starry-night motif.
—Odeya Pinkus, InStyle, 25 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for motif
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motif
Noun
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The more casual, easygoing hairstyle keeps the dress (and its matching choker necklace) from looking costumey or too on theme for the dark romance film, as do the rest of Robbie's glam details.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
3 Feb. 2026
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Environmentalists said the hiring of ex-industry leaders is a theme of this administration.—
Sejal Govindarao,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Kelsea Ballerini channeled Old Hollywood glamour in a form-fitting halter gown drenched in intricate metallic beadwork in shades of gold, bronze, and olive, arranged in swirling, paisley-like patterns with fringe detailing cascading from the skirt and train.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
2 Feb. 2026
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These patterns have three important implications.—
Katie Hill,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
2 Feb. 2026
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Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.—
Cary Jenkins,
Arkansas Online,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Unlike traditional high-bypass turbofan engines, open-fan designs feature exposed fan blades, allowing for larger diameters with lower aerodynamic drag.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
2 Feb. 2026
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Steve’s numerous bestsellers and iconic book cover designs include Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace, Vineland by Thomas Pynchon, Running With Scissors by Augustin Burroughs, and Barrel Fever by David Sedaris.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Dark matter interacts with itself and normal matter only through the gravitational force and nothing else.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
29 Jan. 2026
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The spokesperson declined to provide any further information, citing an ongoing matter.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Now, the question of whether the US could again use force – or tactics like tariffs or sanctions – to strong-arm countries into choosing Washington’s interests over ties with China is a viable risk being evaluated in the region’s capitals.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
31 Jan. 2026
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The emails released on Friday also show that in October 2012, Musk forwarded questions from Epstein to his cousin, Peter Rive, a SolarCity founder.—
Lora Kolodny,
CNBC,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Motif.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motif. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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