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

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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 Drawing upon classic English country house motifs, her own family memories, and the blazing colors of New England fall, the star designer has conjured a series of instant heirlooms. — Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 27 Oct. 2026 Swirling green paisley-likefloral motifs decorated the beige-gold fabric, with patches of rusty orange and deeper green throughout. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026 Then again, geometric patterns and fruit and vegetable motifs are a pretty easy sell. — Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026 The fall motifs continue with this pumpkin cocotte that’s perfectly sized at 8 ounces for favorite seasonal soups and bakes. — Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Oct. 2026 Pieces include pendant necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings, all with flower motifs. — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 23 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

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 study also detailed how physicians often change their referral and prescribing patterns after their practices are acquired by hospitals, sometimes requesting imaging or other procedures that are not needed.

— Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
People often reach for supplements when shift work, frequent travel or insomnia throws off their sleep patterns.

— Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of patterns

Noun

Social-media sentiment consequently shifts, and suddenly Carla’s high placement on Zephyr’s trending topics is not such a bad thing.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
Many people distrust traditional media and want regular people to break down complex topics.

— Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of topics

Noun

The cost figures draw on the Family Budget Calculator developed by the left-leaning Economic Policy Institute from federal data on rents, food costs and consumer spending, with The Post’s own health care estimates.

— Amy L. Wong, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
Another star turn goes to Mary Ellen Pleasant, who was arguably America’s first Black millionaire and inarguably one of the most canny and chameleonlike figures this country has ever produced.

— Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of figures

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

Those capabilities could support missions that face significant constraints under conventional spacecraft designs.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
The company markets Rivington Landing — along with the rest of its Rivington complex — based on modern home designs, amenities and its location just blocks from I-84 and about a 10-minute drive from I-684.

— Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of designs

Noun

Harmless stories, dangerous behavior Some datasets explored seemingly ordinary subjects, including beekeeping, professional wrestling, and historical public-health cases.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026
Civil engineering education develops knowledge of materials, structures, soils, water systems and other technical subjects.

— Nikhil Chandankhede, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of subjects

Noun

In-store events also offer shoppers the chance to gather and make something by hand—from personalized ornaments to holiday junk journals.

— Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 26 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of ornaments

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motif

motifs

motile

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“Motifs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motifs. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of motifs

noun

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