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 And the motifs that dominated front pages and became ubiquitous on social media weren’t so much what happened on the court or pitch but how fans came together away from the stadium. — Leo MacLehose, Sportico.com, 31 July 2026 The influence and emblem of basketball was everywhere, whether through stitched motifs, graphic details, or the written across letterman jackets, cargo pants, and t-shirts. — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 Bioinformatic analysis identified 19 candidate peptide motifs worth further study. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 29 July 2026 Mako Watanabe's Sushi Wars launches Nihonbashi into outer space—a fever dream of sushi motifs and holographic wallpaper, light ricocheting off foil and mirrors. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026 For the occasion, Queen Letizia chose a midi dress from the label featuring a geometric pastel pattern that resembles a minimalist, avant-garde take on floral motifs. — Katharina Fuchs, Vogue, 27 July 2026 Today, Tskaltubo's grand architecture stands as a testament to its faded glory—the sweeping arcs, decorative motifs, and faded murals all reminiscent of its once poignant beauty. — Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 27 July 2026 As energy continually ramps upward, the score by Maxim Lany and Jonas Nuttin moves from ominous horns to pulsing electronica, with some neat incorporation of prayer-call-like motifs underlining the hero’s Muslim faith. — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 26 July 2026 Silbiger’s portfolio is a reflective combination of classic American motifs like Saguaro cacti and herds of bison, and odd roadside attractions like the inflatable Maine lobster. — Sarah Silbiger, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motifs
  1. themes
  2. patterns
  3. topics
  4. figures
  5. matters
  6. designs
  7. subjects
  8. ornaments
Noun
  • But instead of gossiping about who’s dating whom, collaborators batted around their pasts and infused the darkly comedic anthology series with themes of samsara and the Jungian Shadow.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Inspired by Silent Hill and Resident Evil, fans of the genre should be drawn to its themes and gameplay mechanics.
    — Jason Cohen, PC Magazine, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of themes
Noun
  • Leaked reports suggest a release date of September 25, 2026, with early access on September 18 for Ultimate Edition and EA Play subscribers, aligning with past franchise patterns.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Meanwhile, Uranus is the planet of disruption, innovation, liberation and the sudden developments that interrupt familiar patterns.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026
Definition of patterns
Noun
  • In freshman writing classes, Harvard University is teaching students how large language models work, plus exploring AI topics such as copyright and disinformation.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The other standout feature of Google Workspace for Nonprofits are free AI courses which will focus on topics that nonprofits have shared with Google such as fundraising, marketing, and operations.
    — Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of topics
Noun
  • Beyond the figures, a scroll of social media or a quick scan of the girlies at airports and Pilates reformer studios in major cities will tell you that Alo continues to capture serious athleisure market share.
    — Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Mundo Deportivo corroborates these key figures, while noting that Cancelo only has a year left on his contract at Al-Hilal.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of figures
Noun
  • Fischer studies cultural anthropology, specializing in matters of economics and moralities.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Details of the investigation remain sparse, and Belichick did little to clarify matters, appearing to sidestep questions about how Lombardi’s indefinite absence could affect the team.
    — Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of matters
Noun
  • Additionally, thin or fragile skin can tear or simply not hold designs as well as younger, more elastic skin.
    — Rachel Brown Kirkland, AJC.com, 30 July 2026
  • Gaurav Gupta’s designs are often worn at the Grammys and Cannes Film Festival red carpets.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Definition of designs
Noun
  • But Cheogyal and his classmates studied the history of Tibetan dynasties, logic, philosophical systems, poetry, linguistics, and astrology – core subjects in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Here’s what the coaches said on that and several other subjects during the event.
    — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of subjects
Noun
  • The giant, 10,000-pound mammals provided meat, fat, hide, and bones for building structures, as well as ivory for tools, art, and ornaments.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 30 July 2026
  • Liberty was founded by Arthur Lasenby Liberty in 1875 and has always been a vast curiosity shop selling ornaments, fabrics, furniture and art from around the world.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 July 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 4 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of motifs for Spanish Speakers

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