1
as in topics
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 articles
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 essays
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 themes
One of my favorite movies of all time is California Suite, a gem of a Neil Simon film with witty dialogue, an incredible cast, and themes that are as relevant as ever.
—
Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 11 Mar. 2026
Star Tours is a Star Wars-themes motion simulator ride.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 11 Mar. 2026
The film stars Liu Yuqiao, Edwynn Li and Jenny Suen and explores themes of transgender identity and social marginalization.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 11 Mar. 2026
The themes of a woman overcoming adversity and the unwanted attention from men of privilege and power sadly resonate now just as much as when the novel was published in 1979 and when the drama was shown on Channel 4 in January 1985.
—Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2026
Below are the most prominent themes.
—Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 11 Mar. 2026
Throughout his 30-year career, the Boogie Nights wunderkind has grown into a multidimensional artist with a curiosity that spans a myriad of genres, eras, and themes.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Mar. 2026
Musgraves spoke to the overarching themes of the new album as part of the announcement.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 11 Mar. 2026
The two most common themes for Easter decorations are bunnies and eggs.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 11 Mar. 2026
Star Tours is a Star Wars-themes motion simulator ride.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 11 Mar. 2026
The film stars Liu Yuqiao, Edwynn Li and Jenny Suen and explores themes of transgender identity and social marginalization.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 11 Mar. 2026
The themes of a woman overcoming adversity and the unwanted attention from men of privilege and power sadly resonate now just as much as when the novel was published in 1979 and when the drama was shown on Channel 4 in January 1985.
—Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2026
Below are the most prominent themes.
—Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 11 Mar. 2026
Throughout his 30-year career, the Boogie Nights wunderkind has grown into a multidimensional artist with a curiosity that spans a myriad of genres, eras, and themes.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Mar. 2026
Musgraves spoke to the overarching themes of the new album as part of the announcement.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 11 Mar. 2026
The two most common themes for Easter decorations are bunnies and eggs.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for themes
Noun
-
The show is equal parts investigation into the craft of writing and conversation about the topics of an author’s work.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 Mar. 2026
-
At the conference, there were several talks each day that delved into esoteric topics, such as gravitational wave physics, that would later dominate the field.—
Scott Neuman,
NPR,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.—
Austin Mullen,
NBC news,
10 Mar. 2026
-
News articles from the time say several hundred Marines were involved with the filming and that the base benefitted from the realistic combat production.—
Abby Hamblin,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
And unlike recent doomsday essays that have shaken markets, Khosla’s is a vision of equality and prosperity, not collapse.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Jenisha has long served as a key editor on the Ideas team, working on a wide range of subjects, from political analysis and sports commentary to a growing collection of beautiful personal essays.—
The Atlantic,
The Atlantic,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Rather than dressing up as a Disney character, incorporate polka dots, fun prints like leopard, and red-and-black motifs throughout your vacation wardrobe.—
Irene Richardson,
InStyle,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Some repeat motifs obsessively.—
Miguel Sirgado,
Miami Herald,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The papers allege that his working hours at the school and with the city overlapped.—
Cerys Davies,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
-
No responses have been filed in court papers either.—
Scott Travis,
Sun Sentinel,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
History suggests that kind of start matters.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
-
An experienced attorney can provide guidance in these matters, helping the parties involved in accidents determine how to resolve their legal concerns effectively.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Most players, these days, share those stories on podcasts.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
8 Mar. 2026
-
The island is famously low-key, thanks in part to an ordinance that restricts buildings over three stories, keeping high-rises and big resort brands off the sand.—
Carrie Honaker,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Advice columnist Carolyn Hax takes your comments and questions most Fridays about life, family, relationships and more.—
Carolyn Hax,
Washington Post,
27 Mar. 2026
-
With two and a half weeks remaining before the Twins begin their season in Baltimore, there are still plenty of roster questions to be sorted out, particularly in the outfield.—
Betsy Helfand,
Twin Cities,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Themes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/themes. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
