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
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Recent Examples of motifs
The heels are crafted in a delicate rose Jimmy Choo lace, and are defined by romantic floral motifs throughout that are also layered over a sheer base.
—
Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 4 June 2026
While the Sagrada Familia is his most famous work, Gaudi is well known for Park Güell, completed between 1900 and 1913, which features many of his iconic motifs, Casa Batlló, and the apartment building Casa Milà, which is mimics a wave.
—Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 4 June 2026
Incorporate Tulips into Existing Decor Incorporating tulip motifs into your existing decor shouldn’t be a battle.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2026
The hypnotic motifs and stylized figures in these collections lit a fuse for Nilsson and her peers, seeding a fascination with non-Western art that has continued throughout her career.
—Jeremy Lybarger, Artforum, 2 June 2026
Although the hotel is Japanese inspired, the Peninsula Tokyo incorporates many pan-Asian elements—gilt finishes, flower petal motifs on the carpets, and cherry wood panelling, to name a few.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
The swirling graphic motifs are meant to symbolize the interconnectedness and diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community.
—Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026
The parking garage will be accessible through the hotel entrance on North Main Street, and will be branded with images of cowboys and other Western motifs, according to renderings submitted to the city.
—Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 May 2026
As the mid-2010s continued, Barcelona increasingly pulled from Catalan’s flag and motifs, weaving yellow and orange accents into collars, trim, sleeve details, and striping.
—Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 4 June 2026
While the Sagrada Familia is his most famous work, Gaudi is well known for Park Güell, completed between 1900 and 1913, which features many of his iconic motifs, Casa Batlló, and the apartment building Casa Milà, which is mimics a wave.
—Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 4 June 2026
Incorporate Tulips into Existing Decor Incorporating tulip motifs into your existing decor shouldn’t be a battle.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2026
The hypnotic motifs and stylized figures in these collections lit a fuse for Nilsson and her peers, seeding a fascination with non-Western art that has continued throughout her career.
—Jeremy Lybarger, Artforum, 2 June 2026
Although the hotel is Japanese inspired, the Peninsula Tokyo incorporates many pan-Asian elements—gilt finishes, flower petal motifs on the carpets, and cherry wood panelling, to name a few.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
The swirling graphic motifs are meant to symbolize the interconnectedness and diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community.
—Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026
The parking garage will be accessible through the hotel entrance on North Main Street, and will be branded with images of cowboys and other Western motifs, according to renderings submitted to the city.
—Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 May 2026
As the mid-2010s continued, Barcelona increasingly pulled from Catalan’s flag and motifs, weaving yellow and orange accents into collars, trim, sleeve details, and striping.
—Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motifs
Noun
-
In part, that’s because for much of the history of the three main themes of the anti-vaccine case, there was always at least some truth, something plausible, in these long-standing objections to vaccination.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
-
It’s never been easier to find a simple dress that can be accessorized to fit any number of highly-specific themes (and worn out for drinks the weekend after).—
Aemilia Madden,
Vogue,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
Choose between 20 colors and patterns, including a fun leopard print.—
Claire West,
PEOPLE,
7 June 2026
-
The study included 103 adults who were asked to meditate while their brain activity was monitored using an electroencephalogram or EEG test, a tool that measures electrical patterns in the brain through sensors placed on the scalp.—
Jacqueline Howard,
CNN Money,
7 June 2026
Noun
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Backers of the mayor accused Raman of changing her position on an array of topics, including police hiring, the city’s anti-encampment law and even who should be mayor.—
Noah Goldberg,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
-
But who would not wish for more paragraphs on these topics, produced by this particular writer?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
Inspired by figures like Jack Greenberg, the longtime head of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Dan chose public service, centering his path on helping the underserved while challenging entrenched systems of inequality.—
Joel Rubin,
New York Daily News,
9 June 2026
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An alliance of prominent French business, publishing and film figures has joined forces to revive one of the most storied venues in Paris cinephilia, with luxury house Chanel serving as lead partner behind the reopening of the historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés cinema.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
Over the course of two summers, the Kings weakened the fulcrum of their roster by losing Matt Roy and Vladislav Gavrikov in free agency, then exacerbating matters by casting off Jordan Spence for a modest return.—
Andrew Knoll,
Daily News,
9 June 2026
-
For starters, this is a popular week for powerful discussions about politics and religion or legal or medical matters.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
Over time, basketry evolved into a craft among their descendants—with designs used to carry items such as sewing tools, homemade bread, and flowers—for both practical and economic purposes.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
-
The tradition of laying flower carpets — and destroying them when the procession tramples them — dates back two centuries and is popular also in Latin America, where elaborate sand designs are also made.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 June 2026
Noun
-
According to the footage, what awaits Rhaenyra during her reign are fearful subjects, conniving enemies, sleepless nights and plenty of anguish.—
Tracy Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
-
Rhaenyra is suddenly dealing with internal criticism, possible rebellions, subjects spray-painting nasty stuff on the walls and self-doubt.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
A lot of ornaments and tinsel on the Christmas tree.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 June 2026
-
But early last Saturday evening, two bullets shattered the glass between displays of Christmas ornaments and dining plates.—
Matt Viser,
The Atlantic,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Motifs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motifs. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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