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 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 His designs were distinguished by adventurous use of color and unconventional materials, often incorporating motifs drawn from nature, animals and the fantastical. — Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 Leaning even more into the vintage patterns and textiles that shaped her inaugural capsule, the designer particularly emphasized florals applied in repeating motifs, geometric stripes, plaids, and checkered prints. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 11 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 Chrome finishes, raised gel details, celestial motifs, and tortoiseshell accents give the timeless look a thoroughly modern update. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 9 Aug. 2026 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 Their lives were recorded in the form of hagiographies, stories of the saints, often ornamented with folkloric motifs, focusing on marvelous adventures and miraculous doings. — Literary Hub, 30 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
  • Empire of the Sun, the other top Aussie act in the mix, followed Disco Lines with its usual/unusual brand of futuristic, culturally convoluted and yet entirely well-received (at least by the Outside Lands fans) mix of themes and sounds.
    — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • For a customized meal, head next door to the new Chef’s Table, where guests gather around a 10-seat table and have menus, pairings and themes tailored to their whims.
    — Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of themes
Noun
  • The small spaces between leaves will dapple patterns of the eclipse phase on the ground.
    — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The rise in deadly crashes has some drivers concerned about navigating the construction zone, particularly with lane shifts and changing traffic patterns.
    — Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of patterns
Noun
  • The suit says the blog covered varied topics, including college basketball, baseball and travel — not solely Trump criticism.
    — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2026
  • This story covers a range of topics, including mall redevelopment, mansion sales, unaffordable housing and city-state litigation.
    — Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of topics
Noun
  • The universe pairs real-world figures with young protagonists, folklore and mythical beings drawn from across the continent, with the goal of introducing Asian stories to global audiences.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Statues of controversial figures were vandalized and taken down, with more than 160 Confederate works removed from public spaces in 2020.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of figures
Noun
  • Emergency responders were expected to be busy dealing with urgent matters for 36 hours as the storm passed Hawaii, with damage assessment expected to begin on Monday, said the governor.
    — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
  • What matters is finding your people, in whatever form that takes, whether that’s online, in a support group, in one friend who really sees you, or in the stories of strangers who made it through something similar.
    — Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of matters
Noun
  • On runway day, Naheim and Bryan have totally pivoted from their original designs.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2026
  • With a first Sloane Square flagship and The Brooklyn extending one of its bestselling designs, the brand is entering its next stage of growth.
    — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of designs
Noun
  • The students will pursue research across a variety of subjects — cancer, biology, immunology, neurobiology, computational neuroscience, and quantum biology and medicine.
    — John Odenthal, CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The film then introduces us to the four girls who are its principal subjects, and who will each set their sales goal and attempt to fulfill it through the duration of the Girl Scout Cookie season.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of subjects
Noun
  • The first offerings will include pieces inspired by Byzantine artworks including imperial medallions, architectural ornaments, and statuary.
    — Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • 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
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 16 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of motifs for Spanish Speakers

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