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

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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 Sparkling metallic accents and starry motifs light up a halter dress, a sophisticated pajama pantsuit or a sheer chiffon gown with billowing sleeves, and sequins shine on a short sleeveless dress through a festive lens. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 21 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 The Harmony Suite, for example, embraces shades of blue, wave-like motifs, and all things water. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Oct. 2026 These glasses have plenty of personality with playful prints, unexpected motifs, and fun patterns. — Francesca Krempa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026 Floral motifs appear throughout the mosque’s floors and walls, while columns rise like flower stems, each inlaid with mother-of-pearl and semi-precious stones that climb toward capitals shaped like palm fronds. — Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motifs
  1. themes
  2. patterns
  3. topics
  4. figures
  5. matters
  6. designs
  7. subjects
  8. ornaments
Noun
  • However, a preview on the Haunted World website includes glimpses of circus, alien, ghost and cannibal themes.
    — Hali Smith October 17, Idaho Statesman, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Nearly all were from Democrat Sherrod Brown’s campaign and leaned heavily on pocketbook themes.
    — Kevin Freking, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of themes
Noun
  • The new plans also include more changes to the project's lighting and traffic patterns.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Prediction extends beyond the cerebral cortex The researchers used machine learning to determine whether brain activity patterns could distinguish between visual and tactile experiences.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of patterns
Noun
  • The five-phase planning process for rebuilding the mansion was expected to be completed this fall, but the project appears to remain in the planning stage, based on the topics scheduled for discussion at the open house.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • On October 15, Flow Space welcomed hundreds of attendees to its annual Women’s Health Summit for a day of conversations about the hottest topics in midlife women’s health.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of topics
Noun
  • These figures therefore should not be treated as interchangeable measures of payload capacity.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026
  • More than 1,500 businesses were affected nationwide, according to the FCD figures.
    — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of figures
Noun
  • This matters because young broiler chickens (chickens raised for meat) require very warm conditions to mature.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
  • That rinse-clean standard matters for anyone worried about buildup, since a scalp oil that lingers after washing can leave hair looking greasy rather than nourished.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of matters
Noun
  • The handbag would go on to become one of Fendi’s most celebrated designs.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Testing a different reactor design Unlike conventional reactors, which typically use solid fuel, molten salt reactor designs can dissolve nuclear fuel in liquid salt.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of designs
Noun
  • Very few subjects show any drug in their blood after skin application.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The Money Play Traditionally, subjects don’t earn money for their participation in a documentary because of ethical issues; being paid would create a conflict of interest for them.
    — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of subjects
Noun
  • 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
  • Scarabs, serpents, vultures, lunar ornaments, ancient gods like Horus and Anubis carved from gold and lapis lazuli—all strategically placed on various points along the body.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 16 Oct. 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 22 Oct. 2026.

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