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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 motif
A lot of welcome Hotel Art Thief motifs recur here — an amazing old guy, a fake podcast recording session, POV gun violence (thanks to a cop body cam), and a plotline pulling all the irreverence together — subtly seeded throughout the series and ultimately leading to violence.
—
Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 26 June 2025
Those motifs appeared on some of the outerwear, too.
—Julian Randall, Essence, 25 June 2025
From performance linens to playful motifs and lazy bed-making routines, 2025 is all about embracing bedding trends that feel easy and look elevated.
—Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 June 2025
The silk suit with a jacquard motif of a siren, paying tribute to the Greek mythological Parthenope, proved the sartorial expertise of the brand.
—Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for motif
Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 26 June 2025
Those motifs appeared on some of the outerwear, too.
—Julian Randall, Essence, 25 June 2025
From performance linens to playful motifs and lazy bed-making routines, 2025 is all about embracing bedding trends that feel easy and look elevated.
—Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 June 2025
The silk suit with a jacquard motif of a siren, paying tribute to the Greek mythological Parthenope, proved the sartorial expertise of the brand.
—Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for motif
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motif
Noun
-
Afternoon tea is served daily from 1:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. and takes on a seasonal theme.—
Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
-
This summer, those fights reached another crescendo when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that religious parents can opt their public-school children out of reading books with LGBTQ+ themes.—
Rachel Wegner,
USA Today,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
The move to fall will give Watson, which launched with a 13-episode run earlier this year, a typical air pattern.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
11 July 2025
-
The lawsuit also alleges fraud, manipulation of the legal system, and a pattern of intimidation — claims JAY-Z’s legal team flatly denies.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
Classes focus on a variety of topics like the Hmong language, culture and history, calculus, psychology and more.—
Mia Thurow,
jsonline.com,
8 July 2025
-
This is especially important when tackling sensitive topics, such as mental health or chronic illness.—
Kamya Elawadhi,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
Musetti wore a white, leather Bottega Veneta jacket with a woven leather design.—
Merlisa Lawrence Corbett,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
-
But archaeologists recovered shattered doll fragments and beautiful China decorated with pink floral designs.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
6 July 2025
Noun
-
Every one of the strikeouts Padres relief pitcher Jason Adam hurls matters.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 July 2025
-
But before that could happen, some practical matters needed to be resolved.—
Kory Grow,
Rolling Stone,
7 July 2025
Noun
-
Hollinshead declined to answer the Idaho Statesman’s questions during a phone call, citing an ongoing investigation and need to wait for approval from the Elmore County Prosecutor’s Office.—
Sally Krutzig,
Idaho Statesman,
14 July 2025
-
Submit your questions to us about metro Phoenix and Arizona for a chance to be chosen for the podcast.—
Bill Goodykoontz,
AZCentral.com,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Motif.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motif. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share