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
The hotel’s design, by Stonehill Taylor, marries New England iconography with Asian motifs that ring true to Raffles’ origins in Singapore.
—
Andrew Sessa,
Robb Report,
2 July 2026
Designers like Chloé continue to embrace billowy blouses, floral motifs, and XL belts, while Dior doubled down on blooms in its Haute Couture collection.
—
Amanda Le,
InStyle,
2 July 2026
She's also experimented with turning some iconic scenes from the war into new embroidery motifs.
—
ABC News,
30 June 2026
Joe Kramm | Courtesy of Francis Interiors The gold background is a spread of bold graphic lines, undulating shapes and coiling circular motifs, referencing the work of French artist, sculptor and designer Jean Dunand (1877–1942).
—
R. Daniel Foster,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
Designed by Japanese firm GLAMOROUS, some are more floral and feminine (butterfly motifs and purple).
—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 June 2026
The design is made up of classic patterns and prints, including diamond shapes, medallions, abstract geometric motifs, and vertical columns to give it a structured look.
—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
27 June 2026
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.
—
Jazz Monroe,
Pitchfork,
26 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
Andrew Sessa,
Robb Report,
2 July 2026
Designers like Chloé continue to embrace billowy blouses, floral motifs, and XL belts, while Dior doubled down on blooms in its Haute Couture collection.
—
Amanda Le,
InStyle,
2 July 2026
She's also experimented with turning some iconic scenes from the war into new embroidery motifs.
—
ABC News,
30 June 2026
Joe Kramm | Courtesy of Francis Interiors The gold background is a spread of bold graphic lines, undulating shapes and coiling circular motifs, referencing the work of French artist, sculptor and designer Jean Dunand (1877–1942).
—
R. Daniel Foster,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
Designed by Japanese firm GLAMOROUS, some are more floral and feminine (butterfly motifs and purple).
—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 June 2026
The design is made up of classic patterns and prints, including diamond shapes, medallions, abstract geometric motifs, and vertical columns to give it a structured look.
—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
27 June 2026
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.
—
Jazz Monroe,
Pitchfork,
26 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
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
-
The celebration included dual Zac Posen custom designs – DeGeneres in a cream vest and slacks, de Rossi in a tuxedo halter top and baby pink tulle skirt – plus an all-vegan menu, and it was officiated by self-help author and friend Wayne Dyer.
-
Its designs are worn by on-court officials, lines judges and ball boys and girls, embedding the brand directly into the tournament’s visual language.
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
-
Hallmark and Disney will also release a collection of goodies inspired by the movie, including greeting cards, ornaments, gifts, gift wrap and other unique products.
-
These popular plants are superb, long-lasting garden ornaments.
Cite this Entry
“Motifs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motifs. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
