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
Examples 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
Such a circular motif serves both to reassert a theme and to show, presumably, how much the characters have changed by the end of the film.
—
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 Jan. 2025
The staircase connecting the floors was rebuilt, and as a central motif of the redesign, Pöppler gave the passageways round arches.
—Ulrich Clewing, Architectural Digest, 12 Jan. 2025
Kansas City eked out the narrowest of wins — a season’s motif if there ever was one.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
Rather, the objects, motifs, and designs serve as expressed cultural values.
—Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for motif 
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 Jan. 2025
The staircase connecting the floors was rebuilt, and as a central motif of the redesign, Pöppler gave the passageways round arches.
—Ulrich Clewing, Architectural Digest, 12 Jan. 2025
Kansas City eked out the narrowest of wins — a season’s motif if there ever was one.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
Rather, the objects, motifs, and designs serve as expressed cultural values.
—Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for motif
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motif
Noun
-
Create a two-tone look by pairing sage green walls with crisp white wainscoting, then continue the modern rustic theme with natural elements such as a wood dining table, linen chair covers, and a sisal area rug.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 Jan. 2025
-
This fresh take on dependable blue resonates with the themes of trust and finance while spanning across generations in a way that feels both safe and current.—
Francois Botha,
Forbes,
12 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The soft paint color has a spa-like effect while the beadboard brings in a subtle linear pattern and an extra layer of visual interest.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 Jan. 2025
-
Other journalists and human rights groups have found the same patterns.—
Nicholas Kristof,
The Mercury News,
10 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
He’s even written a book about this topic, This Must Be The Place: How Music Can Make Your City Better, which has gotten rave reviews and has been translated into six languages.—
SPIN Staff,
SPIN,
9 Jan. 2025
-
Education, especially in minority areas, is a politically sensitive topic.—
Chris Buckley,
New York Times,
9 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
As usual, an A-list crowd of celebrities came out in droves to witness the new designs from Raf Simons and Miuccia Prada.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
19 Jan. 2025
-
Everywhere Backpack 22-liter $78 $54 at Lululemon This backpack has a sleek design and thoughtful features.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The risks are there, which is why protection matters.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
8 Jan. 2025
-
Two weeks ago Sauer filed an unusual friend-of-the-court brief in the pending TikTok case which urges the justices to put the matter on hold and allow the new president time to work out a deal.—
David G. Savage,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Other county department heads were prodded by the supervisors on the questions that have come repeatedly from constituents.—
Rebecca Ellis,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Jan. 2025
-
In the fall of 2023, Lopez and other Johnson opponents launched a months-long drive to place a symbolic question on the March 2024 primary ballot asking voters whether to end Chicago’s status as a sanctuary city.—
Jake Sheridan,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Jan. 2025
Articles Related to motif
Thesaurus Entries Near motif
Cite this Entry
“Motif.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motif. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share