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 Suffice to say, fake news and scare tactics are the running motifs. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 Nov. 2026 Now, Tiers of Joy creates ready-to-ship platters in motifs from gardens to Christmas. — Jennifer Bradley Franklin, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2026 Floral motifs in general have been a major part of Jonathan Anderon and Nina Christen’s footwear story at the French house. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2026 Their designs are recognizable for their large-scale medallions, geometric borders, and floral motifs, many of which drew inspiration from Ottoman art and architecture. — Mina Dragani, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2026 After a consultation with Marchetto, Garnett settled on adding a spattering of dark brown leather floral motifs, to complement the navy and pale blue check. — Bella Webb, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026 Larger artifacts on the site include weapons in the burials, horse gear and animal-style motifs. — ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026 This year looks especially optimistic for the wardrobe essential, as people are preferring whimsical motifs, colors, and cuts over a simple crewneck or cardigan. — Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 5 Nov. 2026 Simple designs feature seasonal color themes or basic designs, while more ornate doormats feature intricate motifs or novelty shapes. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motifs
  1. themes
  2. patterns
  3. topics
  4. figures
  5. matters
  6. designs
  7. subjects
  8. ornaments
Noun
  • What readers are saying The conversation explores the themes of remembrance and the ways different countries honor their war dead, particularly focusing on the UK's Remembrance Day.
    — Tom Tugendhat, Washington Post, 7 Nov. 2026
  • That’s the appropriate way of addressing the casting choices, which broaden the interfamily conflict themes of the play without causing a shift in focus or a reinterpretation.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of themes
Noun
  • According to the news release, the catalog documents births, injuries, migration patterns, and ages.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Your ruler Mercury is retrograde, and its meeting with the Moon encourages a closer look at familiar patterns.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of patterns
Noun
  • This year’s conference is expected to focus on implementing existing climate commitments, reducing emissions and accelerating the clean energy transition, among other topics.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Attendees are invited to speak for five minutes about books on those topics.
    — Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of topics
Noun
  • There will be nonstop panels on TV and livestreams, analysts repeating analysis of days-old polls, and — come afternoon — figures from exit polls suggesting that Hispanics are voting in large numbers, or that the economy is a major issue.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • In fact, only 33 colleges and universities in the country admit 10% or fewer of their undergraduate applicants, NACAC figures show.
    — Jon Marcus, NPR, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of figures
Noun
  • Citizens who had identification issues have until Tuesday to address those matters in person at their local elections office.
    — BILL BARROW, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Each bed also includes a lifetime warranty, so feel free to shift your focus to more pressing matters, like how to style your Thanksgiving tablescape.
    — Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of matters
Noun
  • Also new are the 17- to 19-in alloy wheel designs and the power-latching sliding doors and tailgate.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
  • In theory, testing virtual designs will cut down development cycles, predict equipment degradation, and avoid costly trial-and-error during physical builds.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of designs
Noun
  • Big stars like [previous retrospective subjects] Marlon Brando and Paul Newman make people approach the festival without feeling out of place.
    — Ben Croll, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026
  • But there is an undeniable cruelty in thinking of people and their lives only as political subjects.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of subjects
Noun
  • The first thing in Griffin’s step-by-step approach is adding twinkle lights to the tree, then tucking in larger ornaments.
    — Maria Sabella, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The coffee giant has also expanded its mascot line with new gift-ready holiday tumblers, mugs, snow globes, charms, ornaments and water bottles.
    — Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 4 Nov. 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 13 Nov. 2026.

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