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 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 Designed from scratch, the NHL and Fanatics aimed to get details like local landmarks, motifs and culture more involved when creating the jerseys for each team. — Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026 Extracted from circumstance, even the most Judd-like spatial and material moves become just a repertoire of motifs. — Julian Rose, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026 In need of equipment to maintain his California ranch, Hetfield commissioned a one-off Case TV450B skid-steer track loader adorned with Metallica motifs. — Stephen Edelstein, The Drive, 1 Nov. 2026 The interiors are informed by Bakarian’s sense of quiet maximalism, mixing vintage Palm Beach motifs and midcentury appeal, without losing sight of Pensacola’s rich history. — Terry Ward, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2026 For the residency, Golann produced a monumental wooden vessel adorned with nature motifs carved in bas relief. — Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 30 Oct. 2026 In 2018, Mao began working with the Palace Museum, drawing on traditional Chinese imagery and motifs for annual collections. — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026 Drawing upon classic English country house motifs, her own family memories, and the blazing colors of New England fall, the star designer has conjured a series of instant heirlooms. — Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 27 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motifs
  1. themes
  2. patterns
  3. topics
  4. figures
  5. matters
  6. designs
  7. subjects
  8. ornaments
Noun
  • Notably, this is the first book in the TOG series to drop the YA approach for more adult themes.
    — Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 24 Oct. 2026
  • So many themes related to the Tylenol poisonings seemed to emerge as Cooper investigated Betkowski’s life, but no direct evidence materialized to link him to the crime or place him in Chicago during the time of the poisonings.
    — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of themes
Noun
  • Investigators said the notes contained distinctive writing patterns and asked anyone who recognized the style to contact authorities.
    — Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026
  • The model then generated repeating radio-pulse patterns designed to be as different as possible from the surrounding pulsar signals while minimizing energy consumption.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of patterns
Noun
  • Social-media sentiment consequently shifts, and suddenly Carla’s high placement on Zephyr’s trending topics is not such a bad thing.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Many people distrust traditional media and want regular people to break down complex topics.
    — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 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
  • Beyond criminal matters, the office is involved in other efforts.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The Sun enters your 12th House, drawing your attention toward rest, reflection, privacy, unfinished matters, and everything easier to hear when the outside world becomes less demanding.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 23 Oct. 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
  • Harmless stories, dangerous behavior Some datasets explored seemingly ordinary subjects, including beekeeping, professional wrestling, and historical public-health cases.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Civil engineering education develops knowledge of materials, structures, soils, water systems and other technical subjects.
    — Nikhil Chandankhede, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of subjects
Noun
  • Walk alongside giant ornaments, snowflakes, and sleigh light displays dotting the pier, and get creative with free community craft workshops including edible snowmen, pinecone woodland creatures, paper bag puppets, and more.
    — Allison Yates, Midwest Living, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The kids must love hanging up ornaments on a miniature Christmas tree!
    — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 3 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 7 Nov. 2026.

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