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
Relevance
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
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Recent Examples of motifs
The Whitney Noir clocks in at a height of 17 inches and takes a page from the motifs presented in Carolina Herrera’s fall 2025 collection — chiefly floral designs and grid-like patterns.
—
Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025
Poetically, collaboration and togetherness were motifs throughout the evening, as no behind the camera job is accomplished in isolation.
—Andrew McGowan, Variety, 6 Nov. 2025
Inside, every element reflects the owner’s individuality, from 24K gold accents to personalized motifs.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2025
Blanc does have a couple motifs that peak their heads up through the different movies.
—Fred Topel, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2025
Each bottle features intricate details inspired by elements from the château, from cobblestone patterns to sun motifs to chevron flooring.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 6 Nov. 2025
Many seals seem to have been already carved with the popular cultural motifs before they were sold to clients, although solid archaeological and archival evidence is still needed to confirm this.
—Serdar Yalçin, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2025
The brand has grown to produce stellar men’s and women’s cashmere basics as well as more fashion-forward knits infused with traditional regional motifs.
—Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2025
Despite the epic length, Kinds of Kindness ultimately comes across as a lark, riffing on pet motifs with the help of a game ensemble on triple duty.
—A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025
Poetically, collaboration and togetherness were motifs throughout the evening, as no behind the camera job is accomplished in isolation.
—Andrew McGowan, Variety, 6 Nov. 2025
Inside, every element reflects the owner’s individuality, from 24K gold accents to personalized motifs.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2025
Blanc does have a couple motifs that peak their heads up through the different movies.
—Fred Topel, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2025
Each bottle features intricate details inspired by elements from the château, from cobblestone patterns to sun motifs to chevron flooring.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 6 Nov. 2025
Many seals seem to have been already carved with the popular cultural motifs before they were sold to clients, although solid archaeological and archival evidence is still needed to confirm this.
—Serdar Yalçin, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2025
The brand has grown to produce stellar men’s and women’s cashmere basics as well as more fashion-forward knits infused with traditional regional motifs.
—Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2025
Despite the epic length, Kinds of Kindness ultimately comes across as a lark, riffing on pet motifs with the help of a game ensemble on triple duty.
—A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motifs
Noun
-
Uncertainty over ITV‘s future has been one of the dominant themes of 2025.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Traditional holiday themes of generosity, salvation, and tradition are mostly absent here.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Personal issues, such as cleanliness, eye care routines, or sleep patterns, are one thing, but there are also more widespread, communal issues that can greatly affect your eyesight in surprising ways.—
William Jones,
Ascend Agency,
11 Nov. 2025
-
As the format matures, that accessibility can help challenge the old patterns of entertainment and pave the way for a more inclusive audio landscape.—
Anastasia Tsioulcas,
NPR,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.—
Cristina LaRue,
Arkansas Online,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Lasky also integrates tangential but no-less-compelling topics, like the show-stopping style of Iris Apfel and her influence on Lasky’s mother, and Lasky’s evergreen obsession with The Shining.—
Diana Arterian,
Literary Hub,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The victories are seen by many analysts and political figures as a signal that Democrats have regained momentum after losses in the 2024 election cycle—while some Republican voices warn of growing disconnection from core voters.—
Deputy News Editor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Turnout figures for the Sacramento region show the Yes on 50 campaign benefitted from low voter turnout compared to other recent elections.—
Daniel Lempres,
Sacbee.com,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The matters being sorted out in the lab and in the field are not just technical and medical.—
Jeffrey Kluger,
Time,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Navigating intense money matters?—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The simplicity of the marks is echoed in the Godna collection, whose designs feature articulated ribs of high-polish 18-karat yellow gold lined with pavé diamonds and holding larger diamonds.—
Victoria Gomelsky,
Robb Report,
9 Nov. 2025
-
But what's really cool is how the movie brings those story lines together in a narrative filled with intriguing twists, gnarly kills, heroic sacrifices and a slew of nifty new Predator designs.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
In one of the periods, test subjects received a monetary award, while in the other two they were given verbal reinforcement or positive feedback.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
-
His profile subjects have included the comedian Bowen Yang, the director Ridley Scott, the talk-show host Wendy Williams, and the actors Patti LuPone, Adam Driver, Elisabeth Moss, and Jeremy Strong.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Plus, the kit comes with ornaments, candles, and a star for the full festive experience.—
Shea Simmons,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Creating warmth, coziness, and tradition means layering in the personal touches — the kids’ ornaments, family photos, and holiday pillows — that make our home feel both nostalgic and uniquely ours.—
Victoria Uwumarogie,
Essence,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Motifs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motifs. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.
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