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
Growing up in the late ’90s and early aughts, butterfly motifs were everywhere.
—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
18 June 2026
This year’s design is a soft, baby blue gown — paying homage to the color of the island’s original 1895 flag— embroidered with subtle motifs, including yellow taxi cabs, the Brooklyn bridge and the Puerto Rico’s national flower, the flor de maga.
—
CNN Money,
15 June 2026
Scallops have become one of decorating's most enduring motifs, and this wastebasket embraces them wholeheartedly.
—
Jaha Nailah Avery,
Architectural Digest,
15 June 2026
Matters became more serious when my character noted that the occult symbol in the basement matched the decorative motifs around Ashenridge.
—
Jacqueline Goldblatt,
PC Magazine,
13 June 2026
The line features subtle nods to her favorite number, three, and cherry blossom motifs, along with her signature color palette and silhouettes.
—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
12 June 2026
Rich textiles, custom embroidery, crystal embellishment and patriotic motifs brought texture, movement and a fresh interpretation of American glamour.
—
Sean Joseph Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
9 June 2026
The piece is yarn-dyed with a vibrant mix of blue, orange, and yellow hues and features a detailed pattern with medallion and botanical motifs.
—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
7 June 2026
While the Sagrada Familia is his most famous work, Gaudi is well known for Park Güell, completed between 1900 and 1913, which features many of his iconic motifs, Casa Batlló, and the apartment building Casa Milà, which is mimics a wave.
—
Harrison Jacobs,
ARTnews.com,
4 June 2026
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
18 June 2026
This year’s design is a soft, baby blue gown — paying homage to the color of the island’s original 1895 flag— embroidered with subtle motifs, including yellow taxi cabs, the Brooklyn bridge and the Puerto Rico’s national flower, the flor de maga.
—
CNN Money,
15 June 2026
Scallops have become one of decorating's most enduring motifs, and this wastebasket embraces them wholeheartedly.
—
Jaha Nailah Avery,
Architectural Digest,
15 June 2026
Matters became more serious when my character noted that the occult symbol in the basement matched the decorative motifs around Ashenridge.
—
Jacqueline Goldblatt,
PC Magazine,
13 June 2026
The line features subtle nods to her favorite number, three, and cherry blossom motifs, along with her signature color palette and silhouettes.
—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
12 June 2026
Rich textiles, custom embroidery, crystal embellishment and patriotic motifs brought texture, movement and a fresh interpretation of American glamour.
—
Sean Joseph Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
9 June 2026
The piece is yarn-dyed with a vibrant mix of blue, orange, and yellow hues and features a detailed pattern with medallion and botanical motifs.
—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
7 June 2026
While the Sagrada Familia is his most famous work, Gaudi is well known for Park Güell, completed between 1900 and 1913, which features many of his iconic motifs, Casa Batlló, and the apartment building Casa Milà, which is mimics a wave.
—
Harrison Jacobs,
ARTnews.com,
4 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motifs
Noun
-
Yet, the same themes of access and power have lingered around the presidency in the eight decades since.
-
Another would connect a reading from the Book of Lamentations and its themes of the destruction of Jerusalem with readings about the Holocaust.
Noun
-
As its name suggests, atom lithography does away with light altogether and instead uses physical matter—atoms—to print tiny patterns onto silicon chips.
-
Watts teaches clients how to fish, respect the lake, to understand seasons, patterns and the importance of stewardship.
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
-
Its worse-sounding homicide figures are due to the ratio of deaths in a tiny population of less than a million people.
-
Cropped tops are flattering on petite figures, so this sleeveless top will look amazing on you.
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
-
What really matters, especially on this sensitive coastline, is whether that balance is kept, not just how the designs look.
-
This one has a brown animal print that stands out but doesn't distract from the other lighter designs.
Noun
-
Many of his young subjects became fan-favorites, while the series amassed over a million subscribers and set the stage for Shapiro-Barnum to expand.
-
But Jenkin’s style ties directly to his subjects and his expressive philosophy.
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 26 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
