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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Recent Examples of motif
The store design reflects the brand, with a combination of traditional and natural materials and dynamic red accents, including an immense astral symbol, a motif of the brand, reflecting the shape of the openworked bridges on some models.
—
Carol Besler, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
First, the Greek and Roman pottery displayed at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford (namely, the motifs and borders).
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 3 June 2025
The ground-level store features designs of local flora and bird motifs.
—Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025
Breton stripes, fisherman sandals, shell motifs—anything that could remind you of the ocean is very much in play, and plenty of it is currently on sale at Nordstrom.
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for motif
Carol Besler, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
First, the Greek and Roman pottery displayed at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford (namely, the motifs and borders).
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 3 June 2025
The ground-level store features designs of local flora and bird motifs.
—Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025
Breton stripes, fisherman sandals, shell motifs—anything that could remind you of the ocean is very much in play, and plenty of it is currently on sale at Nordstrom.
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for motif
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motif
Noun
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The book traces the theme that put this year's Met Gala on the map, and the history that precedes it, from a century old aesthetic to hip hop culture and beyond.—
Nadja Sayej,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
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This is the season of AYA, which is this year’s theme.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
17 June 2025
Noun
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But for others, especially high-achieving professionals used to being seen and heard, working from home quietly unearths a troubling mental pattern: when the feedback loop goes silent, the mind fills in the blanks.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
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Stephanie McFarland, a spokeswoman for the Indiana Excise Police, said evidence is required to show a pattern of behavior — rather than a single incident — to secure an arrest for promoting prostitution against the owner.—
Meredith Colias-Pete,
Chicago Tribune,
17 June 2025
Noun
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Among European policymakers and companies, this has been an important topic.—
Arjun Kharpal,
CNBC,
14 June 2025
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The incident raised the question of whether such hard racing was over the limit or within accepted bounds, a topic that continued to surface throughout different parts of the 2024 season.—
Madeline Coleman,
New York Times,
14 June 2025
Noun
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For other styles and designs of squirrel-proof bird feeders from Amazon, see our other suggestions below.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 June 2025
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The challenge is evolving its design in contemporary ways.—
Jill Newman,
Robb Report,
12 June 2025
Noun
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While the matter is unrelated to FAMU, she has been placed on administrative leave with pay until further notice.—
Oumou Fofana,
Essence,
13 June 2025
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Wysong’s opinion positions the city for a potential battle with the state, as the governor has also taken interest in the matter.—
Tess Riski,
Miami Herald,
13 June 2025
Noun
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While Vance was taking questions, a reporter referenced Padilla's removal from Noem's news conference.—
Sonam Sheth,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 June 2025
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But as Trump took questions from the media for about 15 minutes during the event, very little soccer was discussed.—
Chuck Schilken,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Motif.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motif. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.
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