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

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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 Circular motifs carved into the doors are reminiscent of the portholes of luxury ocean liners that once docked nearby on the Hudson River. — Troy J. McMullen, Architectural Digest, 9 July 2026 Both motifs also appear in Shakespeare’s play, but were not understood clearly until the painting, like a missing puzzle piece, helped connect the dots. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 9 July 2026 The aesthetic is a play on laidback, beachy style with colorful prints and floral motifs, plus a level of versatility that makes packing a carry-on for your next vacation as effortless as letting your hair air dry after a swim. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 8 July 2026 The work begins with her transition and moves through the motifs, people and community figures who have helped shape her understanding of herself. — Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026 The prevailing motifs include Anglo-American boarding schools and college campuses, accoutrements with a romantic aura (billowing sleeves, melting candles), and analog artifacts (old compasses, monocles). — Sophia Zhang, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 July 2026 Vintage barkcloth is thick cotton fabric that typically features bold floral and tropical motifs. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026 The collection includes the gingham Camparinew pump and Ballerimu mule, inspired by nostalgic Americana picnic motifs. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 6 July 2026 The hotel’s design, by Stonehill Taylor, marries New England iconography with Asian motifs that ring true to Raffles’ origins in Singapore. — Andrew Sessa, Robb Report, 2 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for motifs

Noun

There are eight collections to consider, and, if six prints are too many for your bathroom, Haus and Hues offers a set of three with similar themes.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
But no one owns themes, fortunately for Swift, especially, but for everyone else too.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 6 July 2026

Definition of themes

Noun

Think solid colors, subtle patterns, and classic silhouettes.

— Annie Blackman, InStyle, 8 July 2026
Moving From Audience Segments To Individual Context Traditional healthcare marketing ran on segmentation—physicians bucketed by specialty, geography, prescribing patterns.

— Kamya Elawadhi, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Definition of patterns

Noun

Roberts said his product would be less expensive on a per-square-foot basis than traditional construction but declined to cite figures because individual site conditions affect the overall cost.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
The movie welcomes several major Hollywood figures, including Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Elle Fanning, Kieran Culkin and Glenn Close.

— Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026

Definition of figures

Noun

Few fans walk to game Though traffic has generally been better around the stadium since the last time Argentina was in town, some fans are still taking matters into their own hands, seen walking along the road two hours leading up to kickoff.

— The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026
The emotional Moon conjoins driven Mars in your 8th House of Intimacy and Shared Resources, bringing momentum to matters involving money, privacy, trust, or joint responsibilities.

— Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2026

Definition of matters

Noun

Sudarshan has pinned his hopes on the iconic Norton, a more than century-old British brand long celebrated for its racing pedigree, innovative technology and cool designs.

— Anu Raghunathan, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
Trump wrote alongside the designs in a June 26 post on Truth Social.

— Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 9 July 2026

Definition of designs

Noun

Saleh sometimes leads painting workshops where participants can decorate items like ornaments and lampshades.

— Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
For the past decade, Heidi Vermilyea has been in charge of the parade souvenirs, selling hats, t-shirts, and Christmas tree ornaments out of a blue trailer.

— Susan Bence, NPR, 4 July 2026

Definition of ornaments

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motif

motifs

motile

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Style

“Motifs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motifs. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of motifs

noun

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