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
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
For those of us who had never considered this, Sans Visage serves as a striking and unexpected transmission from the other side—a Stockhausen-esque mood piece haunted by glassy piano motifs and musique concrète-style arrangement.
—
Hattie Lindert,
Pitchfork,
25 June 2026
The Oscar-winning actress’ dress was comprised of pink lace and featured semi-sheer fabric beneath the botanical motifs throughout the delicate material.
—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
24 June 2026
But lucky visitors to the pope or Secretariat of State walk along it en route to their audiences and are treated to biblical scenes, from the Old Testament and New, as well as botanical motifs in painting and stucco.
—
ABC News,
24 June 2026
Decorative wallpapers with stripes and leafy motifs span the bedrooms, including the primary suite.
—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
24 June 2026
The ornate accessory features scrollwork and clover motifs in silver and gold, set with diamonds that can be detached and worn as a brooch.
—
Marta Martínez Tato,
Vanity Fair,
24 June 2026
The studio also makes beautiful tableware decorated with lemons, flowers, and other motifs that would make a great gift or souvenir.
—
Laura Itzkowitz,
Travel + Leisure,
24 June 2026
Even the wallpaper carries tree motifs.
—
Madeline Weinfield,
Architectural Digest,
24 June 2026
Growing up in the late ’90s and early aughts, butterfly motifs were everywhere.
—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
18 June 2026
Hattie Lindert,
Pitchfork,
25 June 2026
The Oscar-winning actress’ dress was comprised of pink lace and featured semi-sheer fabric beneath the botanical motifs throughout the delicate material.
—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
24 June 2026
But lucky visitors to the pope or Secretariat of State walk along it en route to their audiences and are treated to biblical scenes, from the Old Testament and New, as well as botanical motifs in painting and stucco.
—
ABC News,
24 June 2026
Decorative wallpapers with stripes and leafy motifs span the bedrooms, including the primary suite.
—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
24 June 2026
The ornate accessory features scrollwork and clover motifs in silver and gold, set with diamonds that can be detached and worn as a brooch.
—
Marta Martínez Tato,
Vanity Fair,
24 June 2026
The studio also makes beautiful tableware decorated with lemons, flowers, and other motifs that would make a great gift or souvenir.
—
Laura Itzkowitz,
Travel + Leisure,
24 June 2026
Even the wallpaper carries tree motifs.
—
Madeline Weinfield,
Architectural Digest,
24 June 2026
Growing up in the late ’90s and early aughts, butterfly motifs were everywhere.
—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
18 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motifs
Noun
-
To be sure, Maher’s ready wit and spontaneous repartee as a talk show host were central themes for the parade of chums who praised the honoree.
-
Those same themes also underpin Goldman's latest commodity outlook.
Noun
-
Mann and his colleagues have shown an uptick in the frequency of such stuck jet stream patterns, known as planetary resonance events, in recent decades.
-
Therapy often focuses on breathing habits, oral resting posture, tongue and lip function, and the development of healthy patterns that can be integrated into everyday life.
Noun
-
In recent months, Google DeepMind, Meta and Anthropic have begun to hire experts in psychology, philosophy and ethics in order to research the topics of machine consciousness and AI welfare.
-
Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.
Noun
-
Based on those figures, Honsal said 731 dogs remain unaccounted for.
-
Kids will create origami figures, write wishes on them and hang them on bamboo.
Noun
-
More legal matters for Gateway The decision closes another legal door for Gateway Church following the resignation of Pastor Morris two years ago this month.
-
To make matters worse, Ronaldo’s peers all thrived, as top goal-scorers such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland all scored multiple times in their opening matches.
Noun
-
Combining advanced stealth features, modern sensors, high endurance, and versatile weapon systems, the Barracuda class is regarded as one of the most capable nuclear attack submarine designs in service today.
-
As clubs began trademarking their designs, making the jerseys readily identifiable as Manchester United, or Arsenal, or whatever team, the shirts began to be marketed as leisurewear, Bunk said, though still only for children and teenagers.
Noun
-
Advertisement The criticism has become par for the course on any number of subjects.
-
The two have been subjects of study and fascination ever since.
Noun
-
Lawn Ornaments Too many lawn ornaments, such as gnomes, fairies, dolls, or flamingos, read as tacky to Emily Roose, the founder of Emily Roose Interiors.
-
These ornaments were originally intended to symbolize speed, elegance and technological optimism.
Cite this Entry
“Motifs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motifs. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
