motifs

noun

plural of motif
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

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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 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 Its range leans in a bolder direction, from floral motifs to more Deco-style designs like the MetroChic collection which incorporates geometric black-and-gold details. — Angela Tafoya, Architectural Digest, 21 Aug. 2026 Instead, take Chappell’s advice and try pairing a few bold graphic tiles with some textured solids or more subtle motifs for a beautiful sense of rhythm that feels sophisticated rather than overwhelming. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2026 Things do shift from time to time, but the thread through all the different motifs would be my kind of stubborn minimalism. — Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 Per its Sotheby’s auction listing, scrolls of diamonds are interrupted by sparkling floral motifs, while a romantic heart emblem sits at the center. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 17 Aug. 2026 Stained glass lamps in the Tiffany style fall under the same umbrella, though those tend to feature more ornate floral and Art Nouveau motifs inspired by Louis Comfort Tiffany’s original late-19th-century designs. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2026 The church’s nave is decorated in the incredibly intricate Manueline style – motifs that pay tribute to the sea trade that made Portugal rich. — Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 12 Aug. 2026 Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara features open-heart motifs set with diamonds and 19 baroque pearls beneath. — Francesca Gariano, PEOPLE, 11 Aug. 2026 A lot of the governing dynamics and motifs here are to put the audience in Kris’s point of view and welcome them through this portal into Billy’s world. — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 10 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motifs
  1. themes
  2. patterns
  3. topics
  4. figures
  5. matters
  6. designs
  7. subjects
  8. ornaments
Noun
  • Among all the meaningful themes, past and present, one small exchange will stick with me longest.
    — David Pollak, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Premise and themes King of the Hill follows the Hill family, led by father Hank and mother Peggy, and their friends and neighbors in the fictional town of Arlen, Texas.
    — Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of themes
Noun
  • While mosquitoes are remarkably adaptable animals, scientists have repeatedly demonstrated that their numbers and territory are expanding as the planet warms and weather patterns change.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Smoke impacts will depend on daily fire behavior, containment efforts, and shifting wind patterns over the coming days.
    — James Ward, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of patterns
Noun
  • Jeffries and Kushner discussed an array of topics, including possible areas of common ground, the sources said.
    — Rachel Scott, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Mental preparation, recovery strategies, and how to interact with the community are all sure to be topics of conversation in the meal room.
    — Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of topics
Noun
  • Paying multiple creators or celebrities to attend and post can add another six figures, pushing a larger activation into the several-hundred-thousand-dollar range.
    — Jessica Schiffer, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Those figures showcase how many workers view AI as a helpful tool for their schedules rather than a threat to their positions.
    — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of figures
Noun
  • Congress, however, is currently focused on other matters, such as the Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act, a bipartisan tax-administration package introduced by Senate Finance Chairman Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR).
    — Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Taking the extra time to turn off your engine matters and can make things safer for you and everyone around you.
    — Molly Burford, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of matters
Noun
  • Katy Rudd is set to direct with set and costume designs by Tony-winning Rob Howell (Matilda the Musical) and choreography from Ellen Kane.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026
  • As a result, developers and builders are the ones who have to make sure their designs comply.
    — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of designs
Noun
  • The business is also growing its base of millions of curious thinkers with non-language subjects; Preply now covers math, computer science, and chess.
    — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The idea is to establish multiple credibility signals across LinkedIn – through a company's presence, employees and relevant creators – so AI systems have more information connecting a brand with certain subjects or areas of expertise.
    — Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of subjects
Noun
  • The style features dazzling dainty straps intersecting across the toes and an ankle strap adorned with lemon and leaf ornaments.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The new tariff will also apply to a range of Canadian exports, including flags, bookbinding materials, some types of vacuum cleaners and Christmas ornaments.
    — Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of ornaments

Browse Nearby Words

motif
motifs
motile
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Cite this Entry

“Motifs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motifs. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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