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

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

At the gold-stamping station, customers can watch Smythson’s artisans personalize purchases with initials or signature motifs. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 24 July 2026

Inspired by the wild, wild West, this collection is full of skeletal cowboys and twisted desert motifs. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 July 2026

The home goes big on pattern, with some rooms displaying up to six different motifs at a time. — Leonora Epstein, Architectural Digest, 22 July 2026

Human faces emerge from distorted forms that appear stretched through time, echoing motifs found in Chan’s earlier titanium sculptures. — Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

From Gigi Hadid’s Parisian date-night look to Lily Collins’s seaside-ready take, the style’s revival among celebrities proves that even nostalgic motifs can be refreshed with a new point of view. — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 21 July 2026

Kate Spade is well-known for its whimsical handbags, often featuring fun shapes depicting slices of pizza, gorgeous flowers, delicious fruits, and other playful motifs. — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026

Sweet and simple, these lemon motifs look plucked straight from a European grocer along the Amalfi coast. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 13 July 2026