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
Loloi x Magnolia Home Sinclair Collection Area Rug Perfect for tying the entire room together, this area rug has antique motifs, subtle distressing details, and neutral shades of taupe that go with all kinds of hues.
—
Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
Adams’ works celebrated the color and movement through vibrant geometric styles; Shrigley brought forth wit and humor through banana motifs and Stewart leaned into a trippy take on optimism through Pop-Surrealist florals.
—Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025
Liu’s work often merges corsetry, delicate smocking, and floral motifs with a romantic yet subversive edge.
—Essence, 4 Sep. 2025
Bold geometric motifs, warm earthy hues like ochre, avocado green, and deep browns, plus textured fabrics such as velvet, shag rugs, and macramé wall hangings all add a sense of playfulness and comfort.
—Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2025
It’s embellished with aspen tree wallpaper, deer motifs, and red-and-black plaid armchairs that look like your favorite flannel shirt.
—Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 4 Sep. 2025
Stark white leather uppers contrast with shiny asymmetrical green and red accents, plus whimsical bumblebee motifs.
—Amina Ayoud, Glamour, 3 Sep. 2025
Wimberly Interiors and AvroKO leaned into the coastline without falling into cliché, designing spaces with yacht-style flooring, seashell motifs, and brass accents that shimmer in the light.
—Keyla Vasconcellos, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Advances in technology mean the motifs are even more vivid and precise this time around, Vuitton said.
—Joelle Diderich, WWD, 27 Feb. 2025
Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
Adams’ works celebrated the color and movement through vibrant geometric styles; Shrigley brought forth wit and humor through banana motifs and Stewart leaned into a trippy take on optimism through Pop-Surrealist florals.
—Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025
Liu’s work often merges corsetry, delicate smocking, and floral motifs with a romantic yet subversive edge.
—Essence, 4 Sep. 2025
Bold geometric motifs, warm earthy hues like ochre, avocado green, and deep browns, plus textured fabrics such as velvet, shag rugs, and macramé wall hangings all add a sense of playfulness and comfort.
—Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2025
It’s embellished with aspen tree wallpaper, deer motifs, and red-and-black plaid armchairs that look like your favorite flannel shirt.
—Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 4 Sep. 2025
Stark white leather uppers contrast with shiny asymmetrical green and red accents, plus whimsical bumblebee motifs.
—Amina Ayoud, Glamour, 3 Sep. 2025
Wimberly Interiors and AvroKO leaned into the coastline without falling into cliché, designing spaces with yacht-style flooring, seashell motifs, and brass accents that shimmer in the light.
—Keyla Vasconcellos, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Advances in technology mean the motifs are even more vivid and precise this time around, Vuitton said.
—Joelle Diderich, WWD, 27 Feb. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motifs
Noun
-
On Saturday night, after the audience of the Royal Alexandra Theatre roared in a standing ovation for Fraser and his director, Hikari (Beef, 37 Seconds), the star became visibly choked up talking about the themes of Rental Family.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Also, different areas often had a multi period perspective and themes were carried across courses to connect the dots.—
Shivaram Rajgopal,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Tropical weather experts at Colorado State University echo these predictions, saying overall atmospheric conditions, including wind patterns, will shift in a manner that supports a notable increase in activity.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
10 Sep. 2025
-
This year, with supply hewing closely to typical seasonal patterns, expect the usual post-summer wave of new inventory to arrive.—
John Walkup,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The concept touches on many of the topics driving political debate across the United States, from criminal justice reform and diversity, equity, and inclusion to affirmative action and immigration.—
John Scott Lewinski,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Sep. 2025
-
The club’s managing director faced the media within 24 hours of Monday’s 7pm deadline, with no topics off the table.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Seating capacity figures are from team and stadium websites, as well as media reports.—
Michael Ozanian,
CNBC,
4 Sep. 2025
-
The reason the figures are so low for 1992-93 and 1993-94 is that, as mentioned, the first two rounds in those seasons count as qualifying.—
Will Jeanes,
New York Times,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
With a newfound momentum, Catlin took matters into his own hands, bringing a recovered fumble to Timberview’s 13-yard line; the Raiders couldn’t capitalize, settling for a 25-yard field goal attempt that went off the right upright.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Dale Ellis covers the federal courthouse beat for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, reporting on criminal and civil matters that impact Arkansans.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
From grasscloth and linen-look finishes to matte and mica fibrous effects, new wallpaper substrates soften formal designs and introduce a tactile, modern quality.—
Sophie Flaxman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Smith's designs were selected for Oprah's Favorite Things in 2020 and have appeared in Essence, InStyle and Hamptons magazine.—
Vandana Pawa,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Wasserman’s goopy, opaque pieces hide their subjects in plain sight—silver and gold lines across bronze horizons.—
Grace Byron,
New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Often praised — and at times criticized — for tackling subjects that other shows avoided, Degrassi stood out for casting teens who looked and felt real, turning growing up into must-see TV for audiences around the world.—
Angela Andaloro,
People.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Their distinctive products include lowball tumblers, decanters, and pitchers as well as decor like holiday ornaments.—
Caroline Rogers,
Southern Living,
31 Aug. 2025
-
Start by selecting a focal point, such as the Grand Duchess Tree or a statement yard piece, then build around it using garlands, mini trees, or complementary ornaments.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Motifs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motifs. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share