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
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.
—
Hattie Lindert,
Pitchfork,
25 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
But lucky visitors to the pope or Secretariat of State walk along it en route to their audiences and are treated to biblical scenes, from the Old Testament and New, as well as botanical motifs in painting and stucco.
—
ABC News,
24 June 2026
Decorative wallpapers with stripes and leafy motifs span the bedrooms, including the primary suite.
—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
24 June 2026
The ornate accessory features scrollwork and clover motifs in silver and gold, set with diamonds that can be detached and worn as a brooch.
—
Marta Martínez Tato,
Vanity Fair,
24 June 2026
The studio also makes beautiful tableware decorated with lemons, flowers, and other motifs that would make a great gift or souvenir.
—
Laura Itzkowitz,
Travel + Leisure,
24 June 2026
Even the wallpaper carries tree motifs.
—
Madeline Weinfield,
Architectural Digest,
24 June 2026
Growing up in the late ’90s and early aughts, butterfly motifs were everywhere.
—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
18 June 2026
Hattie Lindert,
Pitchfork,
25 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
But lucky visitors to the pope or Secretariat of State walk along it en route to their audiences and are treated to biblical scenes, from the Old Testament and New, as well as botanical motifs in painting and stucco.
—
ABC News,
24 June 2026
Decorative wallpapers with stripes and leafy motifs span the bedrooms, including the primary suite.
—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
24 June 2026
The ornate accessory features scrollwork and clover motifs in silver and gold, set with diamonds that can be detached and worn as a brooch.
—
Marta Martínez Tato,
Vanity Fair,
24 June 2026
The studio also makes beautiful tableware decorated with lemons, flowers, and other motifs that would make a great gift or souvenir.
—
Laura Itzkowitz,
Travel + Leisure,
24 June 2026
Even the wallpaper carries tree motifs.
—
Madeline Weinfield,
Architectural Digest,
24 June 2026
Growing up in the late ’90s and early aughts, butterfly motifs were everywhere.
—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
18 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
-
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
-
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 29 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
