MOTIFS Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

motifs

noun

plural of motif

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

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 Shell embellishments and pearl-like motifs brought the collection’s coastal references into more decorative pieces. — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026 In their video works, Phil Colllins and Christian Jankowski both edit together various scenes from telenovelas, both imagined and real, respectively, as a way to draw attention to these recurring motifs. — Damaly Gonzalez, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026 There are artworks by South African and international artists, while circular shapes throughout the house nod to Zulu design motifs. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 29 Sep. 2026 With plenty to take inspiration from (for example, cozy textures, seasonal motifs, and nature’s changing colors), there are just as many fun and easy projects to try. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 27 Sep. 2026 My 300-plus-mile itinerary between Los Angeles and San Francisco dipped in and out of these motifs, with surprises along the way. — David G. Allan, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026 Pathé’O estimates that his employees have produced 300 unique motifs. — Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 17 Sep. 2026 Venus Williams x Crate & Kids Collection From tennis-ball motifs to her favorite lavender-and-green color combo, Williams’ collection with Crate & Kids is both playful and can easily transition alongside kids and their ever-changing styles. — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Sep. 2026 The rooms These hit everything on your bingo card for a stylish hotel room in 2024—there are brass light fixtures, rattan wardrobes, and art-deco curves and tier motifs. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for motifs

Noun

He is expected to speak on several spiritual and societal themes, including the need to protect immigrants, the sick and unborn, and defend human dignity in the era of AI, and address themes of peace, culture, and unity.

— Tyler Speicher , Courtney Walsh, FOXNews.com, 25 Sep. 2026
What was your role in Thrive’s recent discussions with FIFA, and how does the way that investment idea played out map to the themes of your book?

— Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of themes

Noun

Standard materials send reflecting waves outward at equal angles, creating unpredictable chaotic patterns inside irregular containers.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026
Before forward-facing sonar, anglers studied past tournaments and memorized successful fishing patterns at various times of the year.

— Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of patterns

Noun

Team members valued the productive conversation, the group’s willingness to tackle difficult topics and the opportunity to hear perspectives that had not surfaced before.

— Angela Cusack, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
The Climate Leaders Roundtable Breakfast promised candid dialogues on topics exploring the intersection of technology, fashion and climate.

— Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of topics

Noun

And members of these new churches were mostly not the black-dressed, hypocritical, sour-faced, monocultural figures favored by popular narrative, but often included colorful figures who were sometimes surprisingly modern in their desires.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
Prominent appointments have gone to figures such as Jason Reding Quiñones, a prosecutor who reportedly received low scores on performance evaluations while working at the Southern District of Florida.

— Eyal Press, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of figures

Noun

His subjects include musicians, fashion personalities, actors and activists, among them Nicholas Galitzine, Lashana Lynch, Austin Abrams and Caleb McLaughlin.

— Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026
Over the last decade, the district has registered about a 10% improvement in both subjects.

— Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of subjects

Noun

In July, 2001, at 19 years old, I was arrested with two friends for stealing lawn ornaments from people’s front yards and a park bench from outside a Home Depot.

— August Mangeney, Sun Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026
Library patron Betsie Hale did quilling years ago when her children were in grammar school, making Christmas ornaments on white paper with pearls or rhinestones for her kids to give away as presents.

— Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of ornaments

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motif

motifs

motile

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“Motifs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motifs. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of motifs

noun

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