1
as in theme
a major object of interest or concern (as in a discussion or artistic composition)
the motif of mute figures standing in lonely isolation is a recurrent one in the artist's works
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of motif
Recent menus have leaned into storytelling, with cocktails arriving under glass cloches or designed around surrealist motifs—drinks that edge towards performance over mere refreshment.
—
Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Wallot designed a highly ornate building, drawing on classical motifs.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 9 Sep. 2025
For her performance about an hour later, Gaga returned on video from MSG and in the middle of the red and black motif that signals the opening of her Mayhem Ball tour.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
Vikings rarely used human motifs, choosing instead to stick to animal imagery in their artwork, the museum said.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motif
Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Wallot designed a highly ornate building, drawing on classical motifs.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 9 Sep. 2025
For her performance about an hour later, Gaga returned on video from MSG and in the middle of the red and black motif that signals the opening of her Mayhem Ball tour.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
Vikings rarely used human motifs, choosing instead to stick to animal imagery in their artwork, the museum said.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motif
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motif
Noun
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The soap's sensual marketing theme earned mixed reactions on social media, with some users dubbing it a gimmick and questioning the item's cleanliness.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
13 Sep. 2025
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The dialogue will explore her career milestones and the philosophies that have shaped her artistry, including the practice of detachment, a theme both Jones and Akil connect to through lessons learned from Oprah Winfrey.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Tropical weather experts at Colorado State University echo these predictions, saying overall atmospheric conditions, including wind patterns, will shift in a manner that supports a notable increase in activity.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
10 Sep. 2025
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Tuesday’s report states that HHS will assemble a working group of federal officials to evaluate SSRI prescribing patterns, specifically among children.—
Sarah Owermohle,
CNN Money,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
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These two energies seduced me to find womxn who, through their artistic work, were open to rebellious acts such as publishing art books on essential topics.—
Caterina De Biasio,
Vogue,
11 Sep. 2025
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Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.—
Eric E. Harrison,
Arkansas Online,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Other Notable Winners NBC’s Saturday Night Live earned recognition beyond its anniversary special, taking home three technical awards in areas like set design, lighting, and sound.—
Marc Berman,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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From Practicality to Personality Butter dishes have a long history; early designs often featured lids or even ice chambers to prevent spoilage.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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These matters concerning candidate quality are nothing new.—
Kimberly Ross,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
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The executives were able to meet with Pope Leo in a private audience that included others, according to a person familiar with the matter.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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But in the rotation and bullpen, there are also too many questions for comfort.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
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The complaint states Wallace could not answer questions during an open hearing before the Joint Budget Committee and Profiri stepped in to testify.—
Penny Weaver,
Arkansas Online,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Motif.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motif. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
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