MOTIFS Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

motifs

noun

plural of motif

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

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 show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of motifs Sparkling metallic accents and starry motifs light up a halter dress, a sophisticated pajama pantsuit or a sheer chiffon gown with billowing sleeves, and sequins shine on a short sleeveless dress through a festive lens. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026 The latter perhaps most acutely reflected such dominant motifs in Gibson’s midcareer work as female figures, birds, and metaphysical reflectors. — The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 20 Oct. 2026 The same questions and ideas and motifs haunt you for the rest of your life. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026 The Harmony Suite, for example, embraces shades of blue, wave-like motifs, and all things water. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Oct. 2026 These glasses have plenty of personality with playful prints, unexpected motifs, and fun patterns. — Francesca Krempa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026 Floral motifs appear throughout the mosque’s floors and walls, while columns rise like flower stems, each inlaid with mother-of-pearl and semi-precious stones that climb toward capitals shaped like palm fronds. — Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for motifs

Noun

Notably, this is the first book in the TOG series to drop the YA approach for more adult themes.

— Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 24 Oct. 2026
So many themes related to the Tylenol poisonings seemed to emerge as Cooper investigated Betkowski’s life, but no direct evidence materialized to link him to the crime or place him in Chicago during the time of the poisonings.

— Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of themes

Noun

The new plans also include more changes to the project's lighting and traffic patterns.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
Prediction extends beyond the cerebral cortex The researchers used machine learning to determine whether brain activity patterns could distinguish between visual and tactile experiences.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of patterns

Noun

To be sure, the question asking voters to name their top concerns lists several economy- and cost-related topics separately, subdividing an issue that might otherwise rank higher if lumped into a single category.

— Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
Review its memory settings and connected accounts before discussing highly sensitive topics.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of topics

Noun

Beyond criminal matters, the office is involved in other efforts.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
The Sun enters your 12th House, drawing your attention toward rest, reflection, privacy, unfinished matters, and everything easier to hear when the outside world becomes less demanding.

— Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of matters

Noun

The achievement is part of GM’s development of its fourth-generation EV platform, which aims to deliver longer driving ranges, lower manufacturing costs and simpler vehicle designs.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
Mining heritage and guochao National pride in China, expressed through the guochao movement, continues to boom in fashion, with local designers finding new ways to translate their own culture in their designs.

— Ashley Ogawa Clarke, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of designs

Noun

Seeing her attempt to empathize with her subjects, Sang-woo extends the most backhanded of compliments.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026
Blackview says the setup can pick out subjects from kilometers away, although that extreme-distance performance will depend heavily on visibility and shooting conditions.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of subjects

Noun

It’s made from wood and comes with the calendar, which is filled with 24 ornaments to add a new one to the branches each day.

— Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2026
Scarabs, serpents, vultures, lunar ornaments, ancient gods like Horus and Anubis carved from gold and lapis lazuli—all strategically placed on various points along the body.

— Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of ornaments

Browse Nearby Words

motif

motifs

motile

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Motifs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motifs. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of motifs

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

emissary

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Can' vs. 'May'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Oct. 23

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes