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
Astrological signs were a prominent motif in Zoroastrian apocalyptic texts.
—
Anne Waldman
august 14, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2025
Drenched in bright, saturated hues and electric light, the sculpture exemplifies her signature aesthetic—a bold blend of pop culture, feminism, South Asian motifs, and joyful rebellion.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Raven motifs crept into the production design at every turn: Nevermore Academy’s front gates, Principal Weems’ office, roof tiles that resembled feathers, and the school’s mascot.
—Daron James, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2025
In a somewhat desultory Virginia childhood, fishing with my father was a recurring motif.
—AFAR Media, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motif
Anne Waldman
august 14, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2025
Drenched in bright, saturated hues and electric light, the sculpture exemplifies her signature aesthetic—a bold blend of pop culture, feminism, South Asian motifs, and joyful rebellion.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Raven motifs crept into the production design at every turn: Nevermore Academy’s front gates, Principal Weems’ office, roof tiles that resembled feathers, and the school’s mascot.
—Daron James, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2025
In a somewhat desultory Virginia childhood, fishing with my father was a recurring motif.
—AFAR Media, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motif
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motif
Noun
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That has been the theme during English sides’ pre-season campaigns too, with Arsenal’s 15-year-old midfielder Max Dowman and 16-year-old Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha impressing.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
16 Aug. 2025
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Funny, joyous, incredibly moving, Passing Strange touches on several of Lee’s favorite themes (race, family) but his underrated gift for working with actors is on full display here.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
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According to troopers, the driver of a Dodge Durango veered into an active construction pattern and hit a worker in the center median.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
16 Aug. 2025
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The pattern is unmistakable: Trump approaches these encounters like a real estate developer staging a property showing, focused on creating an atmosphere of possibility rather than nailing down concrete commitments.—
Bobby Ghosh,
Time,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Data-sharing agreements on topics like border control, financial transactions or intelligence cooperation can easily become politically volatile.—
Majeed Javdani,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
-
Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
25 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The most notable design element is the CX's sculpted canopy opening.—
Jackie Charniga,
USA Today,
23 Aug. 2025
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The park is nearing the end of its design stage, said Heather Gleason, the Chicago Park District’s planning and construction director.—
William Tong,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Last week's ruling by U.S. District Judge Fred Biery of San Antonio adds to a growing wave of legal challenges on the matter in a fight that could ultimately reach the U.S. Supreme Court.—
Mandy Taheri,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Aug. 2025
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Whether Adidas has deliberately gone for the 1980s tennis player vibe, or whether that was a happy accident, hardly matters.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
24 Aug. 2025
Noun
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But in environments built for output, questions start to feel like friction.—
Curt Steinhorst,
Forbes.com,
20 Aug. 2025
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Its interviews have become a fixture on the circuit, asking tennis stars offbeat questions that get them out of their comfort zone.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
19 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Motif.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motif. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.
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