THEME Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

theme

noun

ˈthēm

Definition of theme

as in topic

a major object of interest or concern (as in a discussion or artistic composition) this dance piece deals with the timeless themes of birth and death

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in article

a short piece of writing done as a school exercise please write a one page theme on the main character of this book

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in essay

a short piece of writing typically expressing a point of view the magazine will award a scholarship to the student who writes the best theme on the concept of personal freedom

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 theme As a thread weaving through the story’s theme, sequels are a massive topic of discussion, the formula explained by Randy Meeks (Jamie Kennedy) at length. — Michael Lee Simpson, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Sep. 2026 More than any general theme or idea, Clancy’s crimes seem to have hinged on a moment of catastrophic dysfunction. — Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026 Each theme acts as its own microcosm of the overall exhibition’s approach, showcasing varied perspectives on a single topic. — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 4 Sep. 2026 Beyoncé describes the original project as essentially her first visual album, using short films to explore the full arc of a relationship and themes of confidence, liberation, audacity and compatibility. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for theme

Recent Examples of Synonyms for theme

Noun

Such poetic license offers little new insight into a topic that has already been picked over for two decades, but it might be forgiven were Hansen as easily dramatized as he is made fun of.

— Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
At the University of Miami, the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science is spearheading sea-rise research and has even offered an undergraduate course devoted to the topic.

— Zoey Thomas, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of topic

Noun

Another user also criticized the company in a Microsoft Learn article, and pointed to Harry Potter author JK Rowling and her controversial views on transgender people.

— Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2026
Sean Pavone | Istock | Getty Images A version of this article first appeared in the CNBC Property Play newsletter with Diana Olick.

— Diana Olick, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of article

Noun

Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk, penned an emotional Labor Day essay for The New York Times about the death of her husband, Charlie Kirk, on a college campus in Utah last year.

— Jay Stahl, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026
One professor may decide that students should write their essays in a blue book in class, while another may ask them to use an AI tool and audit every step of this work.

— Sian Leah Beilock, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of essay

Noun

The intimate dinner celebrated Lierre de Paris, the latest expression of an ivy motif that has wound through the French jeweler’s history for more than a century.

— Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026
The rooms These hit everything on your bingo card for a stylish hotel room in 2024—there are brass light fixtures, rattan wardrobes, and art-deco curves and tier motifs.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of motif

Noun

Kiju reached over and took a piece of paper off the counter and handed it to me.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
Journalist Selina Cheng said she was fired by the Wall Street Journal in July 2024 after refusing demands from senior editors at the paper to sever ties with the Hong Kong Journalists Association and to not advocate for press freedom.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of paper

Noun

The Justice Department, Federal Trade Commission, and Canada’s Competition Bureau have worked together for decades on cross-border antitrust matters, including merger reviews and investigations into potential anticompetitive conduct.

— Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2026
Gutman declined comment on the matter through a CBS News representative.

— Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of matter

Noun

Clear information gives everyone a fair chance to ask questions and prevents resentment from filling in the missing details.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 Sep. 2026
Authorities were not immediately sure what caused the crash, and Cordero-Stutz declined to answer additional questions from reporters.

— Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of question

Browse Nearby Words

(the) masses

theme

themes

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Theme.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theme. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of theme

noun

Example Sentences

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