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

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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

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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 Shell embellishments and pearl-like motifs brought the collection’s coastal references into more decorative pieces. — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026 In their video works, Phil Colllins and Christian Jankowski both edit together various scenes from telenovelas, both imagined and real, respectively, as a way to draw attention to these recurring motifs. — Damaly Gonzalez, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026 There are artworks by South African and international artists, while circular shapes throughout the house nod to Zulu design motifs. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 29 Sep. 2026 With plenty to take inspiration from (for example, cozy textures, seasonal motifs, and nature’s changing colors), there are just as many fun and easy projects to try. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 27 Sep. 2026 My 300-plus-mile itinerary between Los Angeles and San Francisco dipped in and out of these motifs, with surprises along the way. — David G. Allan, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026 Pathé’O estimates that his employees have produced 300 unique motifs. — Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 17 Sep. 2026 Venus Williams x Crate & Kids Collection From tennis-ball motifs to her favorite lavender-and-green color combo, Williams’ collection with Crate & Kids is both playful and can easily transition alongside kids and their ever-changing styles. — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Sep. 2026 The rooms These hit everything on your bingo card for a stylish hotel room in 2024—there are brass light fixtures, rattan wardrobes, and art-deco curves and tier motifs. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for motifs

Noun

So many young people, for better or for worse, are exposed to [mature themes].

— Selome Hailu, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026
There are four specialized bars on the festival grounds that included speciality drinks and themes such as a sports bar and a chill cantina.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of themes

Noun

Hotels, as well as airports, are perfect places to test this technology because their electricity usage follows quite predictable patterns.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2026
According to a new report on eating patterns in America by market research company Circana, nearly half of US adults are actively trying to consume more protein, from bars to whey powder to chicken breasts night after night.

— Emily Laurence Sardinha, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of patterns

Noun

Using private dollars to remake Crandon touches on a number of sensitive political and financial topics for Miami-Dade.

— Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
The shop carries a small but curated selection from around the world focusing on topics like art, design, theory, hybrid works, fiction and poetry.

— Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of topics

Noun

The Justice Department also says Beijing is determined to sway American public opinion in its favor by cultivating relationships with political figures seen as having access to the levers of power.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
Forty-five percent of adults 30 to 44 say the same; both figures have declined in the years since the COVID-19 pandemic.

— Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of figures

Noun

This matters because ordinary laser fields do not provide the same freedom.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
Saudi Arabia does not have formal diplomatic ties with Israel, but the countries have long cooperated on security and intelligence matters through alternative channels.

— DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of matters

Noun

The proposition is to connect China’s factories with its creator economy; Black Lake’s agents bridge the gap by converting ideas into designs, a 3D simulation, and industrial data sent to a factory.

— Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
Next, Meyer is preparing to introduce new love bird designs while continuing to build on the brand’s core collection.

— Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of designs

Noun

In a wink to his subjects, Guadagnino put himself on-camera for a scene.

— E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
The rooftop footage was filmed at night, mostly by Abraham's co-director, Rachel Szor, and their interview subjects — 24 of them in total — are all cloaked in darkness.

— Justin Chang, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of subjects

Noun

India’s notable opulence within ornaments comes to life in the jewelry.

— Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026
On August 27, thieves made off with almost all of it, leaving behind only a small handful of silver vessels, one bracelet, ornaments, and one of four crowns, thought to have been dropped in their escape.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of ornaments

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motif

motifs

motile

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Style

“Motifs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motifs. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of motifs

noun

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