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
Rap is banned in Iran due to its critical content, its uncontrollable means of distribution, and its direct opposition to the regime’s official values, including the rejection of religious and ideological themes.
—
Ali Farahmand, IndieWire, 23 May 2025
That admittedly basic concept—that Deaf people don’t need hearing people worrying about or patronizing them—is one of the key themes of the film.
—John Hendrickson, The Atlantic, 23 May 2025
That’s why there’s longevity and timelessness to it because its themes are timeless.
—Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 23 May 2025
Questions from jurors centered on loyalty, a big theme of the season, as well as secret moves.
—Emily Deletter, USA Today, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for theme
Ali Farahmand, IndieWire, 23 May 2025
That admittedly basic concept—that Deaf people don’t need hearing people worrying about or patronizing them—is one of the key themes of the film.
—John Hendrickson, The Atlantic, 23 May 2025
That’s why there’s longevity and timelessness to it because its themes are timeless.
—Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 23 May 2025
Questions from jurors centered on loyalty, a big theme of the season, as well as secret moves.
—Emily Deletter, USA Today, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for theme
Recent Examples of Synonyms for theme
Noun
-
Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.—
Neal Earley,
Arkansas Online,
22 May 2025
-
If so, submit your question or topic to KCFPA@gmail.com and your topic/question may be featured in a future article!—
Jamie Bosse,
Kansas City Star,
21 May 2025
Noun
-
This article has been updated with additional information.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 May 2025
-
Listen to this article Northwest Indiana’s three casinos saw decreases in gaming revenue year over year in March and April, according to the Indiana Gaming Commission’s monthly gaming reports.—
Alexandra Kukulka,
Chicago Tribune,
21 May 2025
Noun
-
Every element, including essays, recommendation letters and extracurriculars, should reinforce the student’s identity and direction and be presented in an authentic, personal voice.—
Heather Wishart-Smith,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
-
This essay is adapted from Jonathan Zittrain’s forthcoming book on humanity simultaneously gaining power and losing control.—
Jonathan L. Zittrain,
The Atlantic,
21 May 2025
Noun
-
The motif of changelings—of fairies taking a human child and leaving a nonhuman child in its place—comes up throughout the story.—
Deborah Treisman,
New Yorker,
18 May 2025
-
For 99 years, the criss-cross balcony motif that runs along the Bullens Road Stand has been the symbol of Goodison Park’s enduring charm.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
17 May 2025
Noun
-
Their schedule late in the season is favorable on paper, at least, outside their season finale against the Bills.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
15 May 2025
-
While a lot of the team’s success will derive from how well quarterback Carson Beck performs in 2025, the cast around him getting better on paper certainly helps.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
15 May 2025
Noun
-
And though Madrid hasn’t released an official ‘comunicado’ on the matter, it is widely expected that the Italian will be replaced by Xabi Alonso ahead of the Club World Cup.—
Tom Sanderson,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
-
The main question of contemporary cinema isn’t (pace the nominal avant-garde) whether to tell a story but what story to tell, how to tell it, and, for that matter, what a story is.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
20 May 2025
Noun
-
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.—
Tommy McArdle,
People.com,
19 May 2025
-
There had been several bad news stories in recent years.—
James Montague,
New York Times,
18 May 2025
Noun
-
Got a burning question, or comment, for On Politics?You can submit them here or send me an email atrdmorin@usatoday.com.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
-
Of course, there are legitimate questions about why Awoniyi was asked, or instructed, to return to the pitch.—
Daniel Taylor,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Theme.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theme. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share