1
as in themes
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in patterns
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
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Recent Examples of motifs
Rather than dressing up as a Disney character, incorporate polka dots, fun prints like leopard, and red-and-black motifs throughout your vacation wardrobe.
—
Irene Richardson, InStyle, 6 Mar. 2026
Some repeat motifs obsessively.
—Miguel Sirgado, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2026
And for Uniqlo’s spring/summer 2026 line, the designer has channelled his signature preppy motifs.
—Alice Cary, Vogue, 3 Mar. 2026
Sun and star motifs rendered in gold enhance the gem’s night sky coloring, while the classic flower designs celebrate the 130th anniversary of the Louis Vuitton Monogram.
—Claire Salinda, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026
Themed around the concept of play, it was filled with prints of dices, playing cards and board games, which added to takes on tartan and argyle patterns and the duo’s go-to motifs, such as hearts and polka dots.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 2 Mar. 2026
Stained glass along with acorn and oak leaf motifs are woven throughout the home.
—Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 28 Feb. 2026
Instead of a static roaring fire, surreal AI‑generated elements transformed the experience — quirky gingerbread dancers, skateboarding bears and other unexpected holiday guests — offering fresh, playful ways to reinterpret familiar seasonal motifs.
—Partner Content, Variety, 26 Feb. 2026
Many of the failings against Monaco — and there were plenty — have been recurring motifs in recent months.
—Jack Lang, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
Irene Richardson, InStyle, 6 Mar. 2026
Some repeat motifs obsessively.
—Miguel Sirgado, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2026
And for Uniqlo’s spring/summer 2026 line, the designer has channelled his signature preppy motifs.
—Alice Cary, Vogue, 3 Mar. 2026
Sun and star motifs rendered in gold enhance the gem’s night sky coloring, while the classic flower designs celebrate the 130th anniversary of the Louis Vuitton Monogram.
—Claire Salinda, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026
Themed around the concept of play, it was filled with prints of dices, playing cards and board games, which added to takes on tartan and argyle patterns and the duo’s go-to motifs, such as hearts and polka dots.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 2 Mar. 2026
Stained glass along with acorn and oak leaf motifs are woven throughout the home.
—Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 28 Feb. 2026
Instead of a static roaring fire, surreal AI‑generated elements transformed the experience — quirky gingerbread dancers, skateboarding bears and other unexpected holiday guests — offering fresh, playful ways to reinterpret familiar seasonal motifs.
—Partner Content, Variety, 26 Feb. 2026
Many of the failings against Monaco — and there were plenty — have been recurring motifs in recent months.
—Jack Lang, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motifs
Noun
-
But those familiar with Golding’s 1954 novel will know that its macabre themes of civilization versus savagery and the nature of evil are a far step away from the West End.—
Diana Lodderhose,
Deadline,
4 Mar. 2026
-
The film explores themes of migration, identity and the search for freedom.—
Thinus Ferreira,
Variety,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Interiors nod to Kansas City’s aviation legacy with aircraft imagery on the walls and carpet patterns inspired by flight paths from Kansas City International Airport.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Bees also easily detect the difference between light and dark, so patterns like a dark bull's eye in the center of a red poppy will attract them.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
1 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Studying and exercising the brain muscle opens you up to interesting topics.—
Lisa Stardust,
Vogue,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Those figures include contracts that LAHSA manages for the county and the city, and LAHSA said the city was late in transferring it money, contributing to the delays.—
Andrew Khouri,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Talarico proved unusually eloquent, impressing figures as diverse as the podcaster Joe Rogan and the former President Barack Obama.—
Benjamin Wallace-Wells,
New Yorker,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But China has consistently steered clear of direct involvement in its partners’ conflicts, showing little appetite for wading into Middle Eastern security matters beyond protecting its own assets.—
John Liu,
CNN Money,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Dale Ellis covers the federal courthouse beat for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, reporting on criminal and civil matters that impact Arkansans.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Sand & Stable Calhoun 4-Piece Sofa Seating Group With its gray, faux-wood frame and lattice designs, this set has a distinctly coastal feel.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
1 Mar. 2026
-
Upon entering any art gallery or museum, visitors are consenting to having their imaginations stimulated with new concepts, designs and suggestions.—
Michael James Rocha,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Jobs more closely tied to Neuralink’s brain interfaces include an operating room specialist and a neurosurgeon resident to carry out experimental brain-computer interface procedures using human cadavers or large animal subjects.—
Andrea Guzmán,
Austin American Statesman,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Their visit was focused on subjects like communities affected by conflict and mental health, and was announced on February 24, just hours before the visit began on February 25.—
Rachel Burchfield,
InStyle,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
There were no ornaments, no photos, no paintings.—
Josh Ireland,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Putting up the Christmas tree last year with ornaments Ryan and his sister made was tough, Gary said.—
Emma Hurt,
AJC.com,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Motifs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motifs. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
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