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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Recent Examples of motif
Murakami's signature cherry print takes front in the center, especially in the summer looks worn by the Euphoria star, who stuns in a plunging V-neck one-piece covered in the motif.
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Michelle Lee, People.com, 16 May 2025
Jokes about starving yourself aren’t funny While some defenders of this content argue it’s not meant to be taken seriously, Tarpley finds the trending motifs often describe specific anorexia symptoms.
—Oona Hanson, CNN Money, 16 May 2025
Related Articles In an interview with WWD, de Castelbajac shared how his primary hues, angels and uplifting motifs transcend creative fields — from furniture to street art.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 15 May 2025
Initials and the brand’s Eye of the Tiger motif—a design with roots in Ottoman Empire and Eastern philosophy is a modern talisman for strength and vitality—motif can also be added to bags.
—Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for motif
Michelle Lee, People.com, 16 May 2025
Jokes about starving yourself aren’t funny While some defenders of this content argue it’s not meant to be taken seriously, Tarpley finds the trending motifs often describe specific anorexia symptoms.
—Oona Hanson, CNN Money, 16 May 2025
Related Articles In an interview with WWD, de Castelbajac shared how his primary hues, angels and uplifting motifs transcend creative fields — from furniture to street art.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 15 May 2025
Initials and the brand’s Eye of the Tiger motif—a design with roots in Ottoman Empire and Eastern philosophy is a modern talisman for strength and vitality—motif can also be added to bags.
—Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for motif
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motif
Noun
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The latter two are themes the artist first discovered as a child at her grandmother’s house.—
Hikmat Mohammed,
Footwear News,
24 May 2025
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Nearly one-third of the way through the season, the Cubs’ propensity for big innings, especially late in games, is a continuing theme.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2025
Noun
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Channel her look with this tote bag from Amazon, which comes in 22 colors and patterns and has amassed hundreds of five-star ratings.—
Averi Baudler,
People.com,
24 May 2025
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In our analysis of foreign health care systems, my colleagues and I found that in country after country a persistent pattern emerged: over-provision to the healthy and under-provision to the sick.—
John C. Goodman,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
Noun
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Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.—
Neal Earley,
Arkansas Online,
22 May 2025
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Students researched topics, including ethics in AI in public relations, internal communication management, crisis communication, and parasocial relationships and their ties to public relations.—
Melinda Moore,
Chicago Tribune,
21 May 2025
Noun
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The cake pop features strawberry cream cake mixed with buttercream, dipped in a chocolatey icing and finished with a summer strawberry design.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
20 May 2025
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The buttons are eye-catching and polished, and the sleeveless design offers plenty of airflow to your arms.—
Nicol Natale,
People.com,
20 May 2025
Noun
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And though Madrid hasn’t released an official ‘comunicado’ on the matter, it is widely expected that the Italian will be replaced by Xabi Alonso ahead of the Club World Cup.—
Tom Sanderson,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
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Dale Ellis covers the federal courthouse beat for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, reporting on criminal and civil matters that impact Arkansans.—
Dale Ellis,
Arkansas Online,
20 May 2025
Noun
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Got a burning question, or comment, for On Politics?You can submit them here or send me an email atrdmorin@usatoday.com.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
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Of course, there are legitimate questions about why Awoniyi was asked, or instructed, to return to the pitch.—
Daniel Taylor,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Motif.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motif. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
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