MOTIFS Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

motifs

noun

plural of motif

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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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 Including the brand’s signature floral motifs, the fall 2026 curation featured an array of fabrics and materials from wool to delicate knits. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 14 July 2026 Kate Spade is well-known for its whimsical handbags, often featuring fun shapes depicting slices of pizza, gorgeous flowers, delicious fruits, and other playful motifs. — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026 Sweet and simple, these lemon motifs look plucked straight from a European grocer along the Amalfi coast. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 13 July 2026 From trailing vines to leafy accents, ’90s ivy motifs are returning with a more refined look that fits today’s homes. — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2026 An overarching theme this season comes in the form of color and pattern—more specifically graphic motifs and palettes of stark black and white, with the occasional pop of color. — Christina Holevas, Vogue, 11 July 2026 Circular motifs carved into the doors are reminiscent of the portholes of luxury ocean liners that once docked nearby on the Hudson River. — Troy J. McMullen, Architectural Digest, 9 July 2026 Both motifs also appear in Shakespeare’s play, but were not understood clearly until the painting, like a missing puzzle piece, helped connect the dots. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 9 July 2026 The work begins with her transition and moves through the motifs, people and community figures who have helped shape her understanding of herself. — Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for motifs

Noun

The whimsy carries over to afternoon tea, served throughout the year in the hotel’s Pavilion and featuring fairytale and wondrous themes.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026
Capital chased the same companies, the same suppliers, the same data center themes, the same power demand stories, and the same future productivity arguments.

— Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of themes

Noun

Flies, those mechanical vectors of disease, may also be worse this year because of weather patterns across much of the US.

— Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
In other words, even when prompted to respond as an average citizen of a particular country, the models systematically aligned more with Western patterns of moral values.

— Alexandra Figueroa, The Conversation, 14 July 2026

Definition of patterns

Noun

During our two-hour lunch, the conversation almost never strayed from his favorite topics, which are Richard Hanania, Richard Hanania’s analysis of politics, and Richard Hanania’s place in the firmament of public intellectuals.

— Gilad Edelman, The Atlantic, 19 July 2026
Trump has announced major decisions and musings about other topics, including staff changes, immigration crackdowns, and matters of war and peace in Ukraine and Iran.

— Bernard Condon, Fortune, 18 July 2026

Definition of topics

Noun

During his tenure, Rousteing spearheaded the creation of the ‘Balmain Army’, a diverse and influential community of models, influencers, and celebrities that included figures such as the Kardashians.

— Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 14 July 2026
The narrative centers on the early careers and shifting dynamic between legendary figures Cao Cao and Yuan Shao as political corruption, peasant rebellions, and personal ambitions push the capital of Luoyang into absolute chaos.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 July 2026

Definition of figures

Noun

For Bailey, living with a chronic lung disease means every change in air quality matters.

— Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Where wind and solar are built matters The researchers found that locations best suited for renewable projects under future climate conditions can differ meaningfully from those identified using historic weather data.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 18 July 2026

Definition of matters

Noun

But scrutiny of the project intensified after preliminary designs were released late last year.

— DJ Simmons, Charlotte Observer, 16 July 2026
Though not archaeological, the designs tapped into a related appetite for inherited craft and materials with ephemera from the past.

— Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 16 July 2026

Definition of designs

Noun

Saleh sometimes leads painting workshops where participants can decorate items like ornaments and lampshades.

— Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
For the past decade, Heidi Vermilyea has been in charge of the parade souvenirs, selling hats, t-shirts, and Christmas tree ornaments out of a blue trailer.

— Susan Bence, NPR, 4 July 2026

Definition of ornaments

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motif

motifs

motile

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“Motifs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motifs. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of motifs

noun

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