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
Most guests arrive by water taxi, entering a marble-floored lobby enveloped by original frescoes and architectural motifs that reflect the building’s 18th-century royal heritage.
—
Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2026
An array of design-forward designs were inspired by geometric motifs that reinterpreted tartan, and even the colorful complexity of the Centre Pompidou.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 22 Jan. 2026
The new study surveyed 44 sites in southeastern Sulawesi and securely dated 11 rock art motifs, including seven hand stencils.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026
Taking inspiration from her family's custom coat of arms, as well as the Cartier Halo tiara (the diadem Middleton paired with her stunning Alexander McQueen gown), the earrings feature acorn and oak leaf motifs.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 21 Jan. 2026
Long drawn to water and waves, Williams looked to those motifs as the conceptual foundation for Drophaus.
—Fanny Guénon Des Mesnards, Architectural Digest, 21 Jan. 2026
Drawing from the series’ most iconic symbols — bows, bees, wisteria, and friendship motifs — the collection reimagines Bridgerton’s ornate world through a modern, wearable lens.
—Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026
Asleson says the same goes for traditional herringbone and chevron motifs.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Jan. 2026
The distributor also rolled out a playful social-media strategy drawing on the film’s visual textures and motifs, including an interactive map of premiere locations, each represented by a different mushroom.
—Ben Croll, Variety, 15 Jan. 2026
Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2026
An array of design-forward designs were inspired by geometric motifs that reinterpreted tartan, and even the colorful complexity of the Centre Pompidou.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 22 Jan. 2026
The new study surveyed 44 sites in southeastern Sulawesi and securely dated 11 rock art motifs, including seven hand stencils.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026
Taking inspiration from her family's custom coat of arms, as well as the Cartier Halo tiara (the diadem Middleton paired with her stunning Alexander McQueen gown), the earrings feature acorn and oak leaf motifs.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 21 Jan. 2026
Long drawn to water and waves, Williams looked to those motifs as the conceptual foundation for Drophaus.
—Fanny Guénon Des Mesnards, Architectural Digest, 21 Jan. 2026
Drawing from the series’ most iconic symbols — bows, bees, wisteria, and friendship motifs — the collection reimagines Bridgerton’s ornate world through a modern, wearable lens.
—Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026
Asleson says the same goes for traditional herringbone and chevron motifs.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Jan. 2026
The distributor also rolled out a playful social-media strategy drawing on the film’s visual textures and motifs, including an interactive map of premiere locations, each represented by a different mushroom.
—Ben Croll, Variety, 15 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motifs
Noun
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Starboard doubles down on brand partnerships Starboard’s 2026 strategy falls within the summit’s banner—Unleash the Potential—with messaging along the broad themes of celebration, education, and inspiration.—
Kevin Rozario,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
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Read more here about the themes that have shaped his first 365 days in office.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Aside from tying elements in a room together, rugs also allow homeowners to experiment with bolder patterns and geometries—without committing to a permanent wall treatment.—
Sophie Aliece Hollis,
Martha Stewart,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The researchers stressed that the findings relate to long-term eating patterns rather than occasional indulgent meals.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Bryant Jonesboro Basketball Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.—
Erick Taylor,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Here are Pereira’s thoughts on several topics, edited for clarity and brevity.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Trump has formed close alliances with conservative tech figures, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk and investor David Sacks, who serves as the White House AI and crypto czar.—
Joseph Menn The Washington Post,
Arkansas Online,
21 Jan. 2026
-
When the count figures are released in late spring or early summer, the numbers help the county and cities pinpoint areas of need, and also may determine the amount of federal and state dollars for homeless services.—
Steve Scauzillo,
Daily News,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Celina parent, Andrea Bocque, told trustees that accountability matters.—
Amelia Mugavero,
CBS News,
21 Jan. 2026
-
The idea of intergenerational exchange is embedded in the perspective of eternity, but the mistake is to see ecological preservation as matters of personal and political morality.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Arizona Suede Sandal The Arizona is one of Birkenstock’s most recognizable designs for its famous cork footbed and double buckle closure—now reimagined with sheepskin-lining for cold-weather travel or a cozy staycation.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
13 Jan. 2026
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Among the silver items were a tripod jar and a silver goblet with remarkable designs of grape and honeysuckle.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
ChatGPT may be a helpful tool to answer questions about complex subjects, but users should verify the accuracy of that information before submitting it to the California labor board.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
13 Jan. 2026
-
The move comes amid a boom in sports documentaries, many of which are spearheaded in partnership with their subjects.—
Eben Novy-Williams,
Sportico.com,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The towering incense cedars, stout black oak trees and spindly pines were cloaked in the ornaments of moisture, dangling like tiny decorations on a holiday tree.—
Ernie Cowan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Jan. 2026
-
Christina Argonish, a full-time artisan who creates felt and clay ornaments says that high heat in attics during summers can weaken fibers, and moisture from humidity can encourage mildew.—
Jamie Cuccinelli,
Martha Stewart,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Motifs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motifs. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.
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