1
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
2
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
3
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 unfairness allowed the show to underscore its theme of social inequality—how, for a person starting with a deficit, pulling even, let alone coming out ahead, can be nearly impossible.
—
Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 27 June 2025
There are twists and surprises and clever visual cues (such as a Faust poster in the background of one scene) and Hodge explores broader, fertile themes about injustice, and the higher standards and expectations foisted on the shoulders of young people of color.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 27 June 2025
Here’s a guide for the next 81 games for both teams, including key series and a list of each ballpark’s theme nights.
—Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
The book traces the theme that put this year's Met Gala on the map, and the history that precedes it, from a century old aesthetic to hip hop culture and beyond.
—Nadja Sayej, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for theme
Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 27 June 2025
There are twists and surprises and clever visual cues (such as a Faust poster in the background of one scene) and Hodge explores broader, fertile themes about injustice, and the higher standards and expectations foisted on the shoulders of young people of color.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 27 June 2025
Here’s a guide for the next 81 games for both teams, including key series and a list of each ballpark’s theme nights.
—Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
The book traces the theme that put this year's Met Gala on the map, and the history that precedes it, from a century old aesthetic to hip hop culture and beyond.
—Nadja Sayej, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for theme
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theme
Noun
-
Rice has been a hot-button topic in Japan, with surging prices and shortages leading to empty shelves in supermarkets across the country.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
26 June 2025
-
Throughout the hearing, Kobach advocated against the merits of climate public nuisance suits, using previous dismissals as evidence of the lack of feasibility of such claims, a topic which Sen. Cruz also discussed during his questioning.—
David Blackmon,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
Noun
-
In 2023 and the first months of 2024, his name cropped up in a lot of excitable articles in the Rio de Janeiro press.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
27 June 2025
-
Thank you to David Cox for additional research and reporting on this article.—
Juergen Eckhardt,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
Noun
-
Hosted by Jordan Kisner, author of the essay collection Thin Places.—
Thresholds
June 25,
Literary Hub,
25 June 2025
-
The evening opened with a conversation between co-editors Dina Aronson and Dina Alvarez—both of whom also contributed essays—moderated by another story contributor, Julie Flakstad, founder of the Midlife Truth Project and co-host of the limited series podcast of the same name.—
Emily Cegielski,
Flow Space,
25 June 2025
Noun
-
The train also offers a dedicated Wellness Suite, decorated by painter and printmaker Sarah Woods with a calming beach motif.—
Everett Potter,
Forbes.com,
3 July 2025
-
Price upon publish date of this article: $11.99 Flaunting over 3,000 hearts on Urban Outfitters’ site, this shower curtain is a hot commodity because of its ability to harness multiple interior design trends at once: including food motifs, gingham patterns, and all things pink.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
2 July 2025
Noun
-
What seemed to me like a slightly boring menu on paper was anything but.—
Sofia Perez,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
But what sounds innovative on paper has opened the door to major privacy slip-ups.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
Every one of the strikeouts Padres relief pitcher Jason Adam hurls matters.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 July 2025
-
Hook believes that talent will always rise to the top no matter where players are drafted.—
Melissa Lockard,
New York Times,
7 July 2025
Noun
-
Instead of museum stories, this is a living legacy of knowledge that needs to be shared with the human family.—
Lisa Deaderick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 July 2025
-
This story originally appeared on Vox and is part of the Climate Desk collaboration.—
Christine Peterson,
Wired News,
5 July 2025
Noun
-
The White House did not respond to questions about why the climate report website was taken down, or whether the administration plans to create the next edition of the climate assessment as Congress mandates.—
Rebecca Hersher,
NPR,
1 July 2025
-
In his latest book, Is a River Alive?, Macfarlane travels to three very different rivers (in Ecuador, India and Quebec) to examine the question of a river’s sovereignty.—
Brianne Kane,
Scientific American,
1 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Theme.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theme. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share