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 The decade has cemented its place as one of fashion’s most influential periods; see Love Story mania, the Tate’s current ’90s exhibition in the UK, and the next Met Gala theme. — Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 6 Nov. 2026 Even the major theme of interracial love is handled with such romanticized discretion, neither race nor slavery ever actually get mentioned. — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026 His writing explores themes of exile, dispossession, birth, and resurrection. — Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2026 The Costume Institute’s annual exhibition has historically been the theme for the Met Gala, with attendees dressing to impress. — News Desk, Artforum, 5 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for theme

Recent Examples of Synonyms for theme

Noun

This year’s conference is expected to focus on implementing existing climate commitments, reducing emissions and accelerating the clean energy transition, among other topics.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Cavan Images/Alamy There was a land of Usenet forums and AOL keywords, LiveJournals and Blogspots and single-topic Tumblrs.

— Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of topic

Noun

Information for this article was contributed by John Leicester, Geir Moulson, Susie Blann and Barry Hatton of The Associated Press.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Nov. 2026
The article again accuses Hegseth of using military force without congressional authorization and says the strikes led to civilian casualties.

— Stefan Becket, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of article

Noun

Koolhaas’s essay narrates both the irrelevance of modernism and the disappearance of architecture into communication.

— Alec Mapes-Frances, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026
Thoreau’s essay, however, offers a direct rebuttal to an earlier text written by English clergyman and Utilitarian philosopher William Paley.

— René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of essay

Noun

The bandana was designed by Doni Nahmias, founder and creative director of the brand and inspired by his mini dachshund Mimi, who has become a signature motif.

— Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2026
Now, Tiers of Joy creates ready-to-ship platters in motifs from gardens to Christmas.

— Jennifer Bradley Franklin, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of motif

Noun

The process takes 3 minutes and 54 seconds, according to the research paper.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Nov. 2026
For example, Tom Stallard of Northumbria University in the UK, who is a co-author with Yan on the new research paper, has been leading James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) observations of the faint infrared auroral lights on both Uranus and Neptune.

— Keith Cooper, Space.com, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of paper

Noun

Citizens who had identification issues have until Tuesday to address those matters in person at their local elections office.

— BILL BARROW, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
Each bed also includes a lifetime warranty, so feel free to shift your focus to more pressing matters, like how to style your Thanksgiving tablescape.

— Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of matter

Noun

Long story short, campers stay warmer on cold nights and cooler on hot nights without a loud, emissions-spewing engine or generator running in the background.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
While two of the three semifinalists had a base camp here, and international stars like Harry Kane, Lionel Messi and Jude Bellingham lived in Kansas City, the biggest story arguably was what happened west of town.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of story

Noun

Last April, a lead national security prosecutor in the investigation of former CIA Director John Brennan was replaced on the team after raising questions about the strength of the case.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026
The mission’s classified status leaves several technical questions unanswered.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 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 11 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of theme

noun

Example Sentences

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