Synonyms of motifs

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

• themes
• topics
• matters
• subjects
• questions
• contents
• motives
• ideas
• essences
• issues
• problems
• purposes
• substances
• hearts
• considerations
• subject matters
• cores
• counts
• staples
• masses
• bases
• nuclei
• fundamentals
• kernels
• bodies
• points
• nets
• pivots
• burdens
• essentials
• talking points
• sums
• generalities
• arguments
• mains
• debates
• centerpieces
• bulks
• affairs
• piths
• essentialities
• grists
• cruxes
• bottoms
• nubs
• keynotes
• gists
• marrows
• purports
• nubbins
• quicks

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• excursions
• parentheses
• tangents
• digressions
• asides
• interjections

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

• patterns
• figures
• designs
• ornaments
• motives
• decorations
• adornments
• devices
• schemes
• embellishments
• trims
• frills
• garnishes
• caparisons

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of motifs

Repetitive motifs in various shapes were her trademark, resembling netting, swirls or worms, but most often dots, dancing proudly on her canvases or as sparkling balls or dots of light in her installations in all their vibrant, psychedelic glory. — Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

Her looks often incorporated classic country motifs like cowboy hats or bell-bottom jeans, though usually made Dolly-appropriate with a healthy helping of sparkles and vibrant hues. — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026

Its range leans in a bolder direction, from floral motifs to more Deco-style designs like the MetroChic collection which incorporates geometric black-and-gold details. — Angela Tafoya, Architectural Digest, 21 Aug. 2026

Instead, take Chappell’s advice and try pairing a few bold graphic tiles with some textured solids or more subtle motifs for a beautiful sense of rhythm that feels sophisticated rather than overwhelming. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2026

Things do shift from time to time, but the thread through all the different motifs would be my kind of stubborn minimalism. — Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Per its Sotheby’s auction listing, scrolls of diamonds are interrupted by sparkling floral motifs, while a romantic heart emblem sits at the center. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 17 Aug. 2026

Stained glass lamps in the Tiffany style fall under the same umbrella, though those tend to feature more ornate floral and Art Nouveau motifs inspired by Louis Comfort Tiffany’s original late-19th-century designs. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2026

The church’s nave is decorated in the incredibly intricate Manueline style – motifs that pay tribute to the sea trade that made Portugal rich. — Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 12 Aug. 2026