Synonyms of motifs

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

• themes
• topics
• matters
• subjects
• questions
• contents
• motives
• ideas
• essences
• issues
• problems
• purposes
• substances
• hearts
• considerations
• subject matters
• cores
• counts
• staples
• masses
• bases
• nuclei
• fundamentals
• kernels
• bodies
• points
• nets
• pivots
• burdens
• essentials
• talking points
• sums
• generalities
• arguments
• mains
• debates
• centerpieces
• bulks
• affairs
• piths
• essentialities
• grists
• cruxes
• bottoms
• nubs
• keynotes
• gists
• marrows
• purports
• nubbins
• quicks

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• excursions
• parentheses
• tangents
• digressions
• asides
• interjections

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

• patterns
• figures
• designs
• ornaments
• motives
• decorations
• adornments
• devices
• schemes
• embellishments
• trims
• frills
• garnishes
• caparisons

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of motifs

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

The influence and emblem of basketball was everywhere, whether through stitched motifs, graphic details, or the written across letterman jackets, cargo pants, and t-shirts. — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Bioinformatic analysis identified 19 candidate peptide motifs worth further study. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 29 July 2026

Mako Watanabe's Sushi Wars launches Nihonbashi into outer space—a fever dream of sushi motifs and holographic wallpaper, light ricocheting off foil and mirrors. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026

For the occasion, Queen Letizia chose a midi dress from the label featuring a geometric pastel pattern that resembles a minimalist, avant-garde take on floral motifs. — Katharina Fuchs, Vogue, 27 July 2026

Today, Tskaltubo's grand architecture stands as a testament to its faded glory—the sweeping arcs, decorative motifs, and faded murals all reminiscent of its once poignant beauty. — Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 27 July 2026

As energy continually ramps upward, the score by Maxim Lany and Jonas Nuttin moves from ominous horns to pulsing electronica, with some neat incorporation of prayer-call-like motifs underlining the hero’s Muslim faith. — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 26 July 2026

Silbiger’s portfolio is a reflective combination of classic American motifs like Saguaro cacti and herds of bison, and odd roadside attractions like the inflatable Maine lobster. — Sarah Silbiger, CNN Money, 25 July 2026