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
Plants and natural forms are not afterthoughts, but recurring motifs.
—
Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2025
Derrick Adams’ works celebrated the color and movement through vibrant geometric styles; David Shrigley featured wit and humor through banana motifs and Hattie Stewart leaned into a trippy take on optimism through Pop-Surrealist florals.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2025
This year’s limited-edition packaging, designed with Ukrainian tattoo artist Sasha Unisex, features bold geometric woodland motifs—making it as much a collectible piece of art as a makeup essential.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2025
Reputation Taylor Swift Reputation Taylor was a vibe, complete with snake motifs, black glitz, and an IDGAF attitude that the world had never seen from her before.
—Zoe Weiner, StyleCaster, 30 Sep. 2025
Pumpkins, leaves, and other fall motifs!
—Gabriela Izquierdo, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2025
Advances in technology mean the motifs are even more vivid and precise this time around, Vuitton said.
—Joelle Diderich, WWD, 27 Feb. 2025
The apparel collection of Dodgers and Cubs products will include Nike T-shirts, hoodies and jerseys featuring Murakami’s flower motifs.
—Kristie Rieken, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
Their distinct motifs celebrate the art of printmaking and are an ongoing source of inspiration for the latest generation of designers.
—Nadja Sayej, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2025
Derrick Adams’ works celebrated the color and movement through vibrant geometric styles; David Shrigley featured wit and humor through banana motifs and Hattie Stewart leaned into a trippy take on optimism through Pop-Surrealist florals.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2025
This year’s limited-edition packaging, designed with Ukrainian tattoo artist Sasha Unisex, features bold geometric woodland motifs—making it as much a collectible piece of art as a makeup essential.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2025
Reputation Taylor Swift Reputation Taylor was a vibe, complete with snake motifs, black glitz, and an IDGAF attitude that the world had never seen from her before.
—Zoe Weiner, StyleCaster, 30 Sep. 2025
Pumpkins, leaves, and other fall motifs!
—Gabriela Izquierdo, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2025
Advances in technology mean the motifs are even more vivid and precise this time around, Vuitton said.
—Joelle Diderich, WWD, 27 Feb. 2025
The apparel collection of Dodgers and Cubs products will include Nike T-shirts, hoodies and jerseys featuring Murakami’s flower motifs.
—Kristie Rieken, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
Their distinct motifs celebrate the art of printmaking and are an ongoing source of inspiration for the latest generation of designers.
—Nadja Sayej, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motifs
Noun
-
Despite the genre's themes, horror fans describe their community as kind, open-minded, and welcoming.—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
5 Oct. 2025
-
Those are universal important themes to be exploring.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Little kids will enjoy its pre-programmed songs and dances, while older kids can use a smart app to program new movement patterns and routines.—
Anja Webb,
Parents,
7 Oct. 2025
-
The more these patterns are put into practice, the more Arsenal can threaten teams, but these bounce/wall passes have another purpose and other players can slot in.—
Art de Roché,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
What's your process for discovering which types of topics or stories will appeal to our search audience?—
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel,
jsonline.com,
3 Oct. 2025
-
The result is a collection of songs that are immediately engrossing and among the most affecting of Swift’s career, while also focusing on topics like Hamlet and suburban bliss.—
Liz Schubauer,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
This marked a slight increase on figures from August, during which time Moscow claimed to have downed 2,786 Ukrainian drones at an average rate of nearly 90 per day.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Dylan Cease, the talented but mercurial right-hander, will take the mound Wednesday afternoon with what figures to be a short leash.—
Dennis Lin,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
One of the defendants, Benjamin Song — a 32-year-old former Marine Corps reservist who associates described to authorities as a cult-like ringleader who opposes the government on immigration enforcement and on other matters — shot Alvarado Police Department Lt.—
Emerson Clarridge,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Dale Ellis covers the federal courthouse beat for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, reporting on criminal and civil matters that impact Arkansans.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Those attributes — earning Piccioli a reputation in fashion as one of its great romantics — were also apparent in his designs for Balenciaga, which incorporated plenty of thoughtful details that referenced the archive.—
Kati Chitrakorn,
CNN Money,
5 Oct. 2025
-
The coveted lineup boasts warm wood pieces, modern designs, clean lines, and accessible price points that offer a calming, cohesive aesthetic.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Students will still be able to take classes in these subjects while the major pause is in effect.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
6 Oct. 2025
-
In this photograph, which Mark made before the start of the Puerto Rican Day Parade in 2003, her subjects—Candice Lozada, nine; Fantashia Toro, eleven—seem literally to have grown in Mark’s presence.—
Rebecca Mead,
New Yorker,
5 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
On Main Street, White Picket Fence beckons with an array of thoughtful gifts, from bath products and homemade jams to holiday ornaments and home décor.—
Erin Gifford,
Southern Living,
3 Oct. 2025
-
In earlier times, ungulate toe-bones (phalanges) were commonly used across various cultures to make ornaments, game pieces, handles, and figurines.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Motifs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motifs. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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