1
a
: a subject or topic of discourse or of artistic representation
guilt and punishment is the theme of the story
b
: a specific and distinctive quality, characteristic, or concern
the campaign has lacked a theme
2
: a melodic subject of a musical composition or movement
3
: a written exercise : composition
a research theme
4
Examples of theme in a Sentence
If one theme unites his scholarship it is that the Old South cannot be viewed as a monolith.
—
Eric Foner, New York Times Book Review, 8 Apr. 2007
One reiterated theme of his book is that the electoral process can be the most dangerous of delusions, tending to confer a spurious legitimacy on those most willing to corrupt it.
—Hilary Mantel, New York Review, 21 Sept. 2006
The Eve of biblical legend was a temptress, thus initiating a lamentable theme in the history of sexism.
—Stephen Jay Gould, Discover, July 1992
The quest for power is the underlying theme of the film.
A constant theme in his novels is religion.
The playwright skillfully brings together various themes.
The album focuses on themes of love and loss.
Adventures are popular themes in children's books.
The growing deficit was a dominant theme in the election.
The party had a Hawaiian luau theme.
They played the theme from the movie “Rocky.”
Eric Foner, New York Times Book Review, 8 Apr. 2007
One reiterated theme of his book is that the electoral process can be the most dangerous of delusions, tending to confer a spurious legitimacy on those most willing to corrupt it.
—Hilary Mantel, New York Review, 21 Sept. 2006
The Eve of biblical legend was a temptress, thus initiating a lamentable theme in the history of sexism.
—Stephen Jay Gould, Discover, July 1992
The quest for power is the underlying theme of the film.
A constant theme in his novels is religion.
The playwright skillfully brings together various themes.
The album focuses on themes of love and loss.
Adventures are popular themes in children's books.
The growing deficit was a dominant theme in the election.
The party had a Hawaiian luau theme.
They played the theme from the movie “Rocky.”
Recent Examples on the Web
This year, the moon and Mercury will be transiting the sign of Libra along with the sun, which magnifies themes of harmony, justice and connection.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2025
Directive to Bondi to investigate political opponents Trump has ratcheted up his discussion of pursuing legal cases against some of his political opponents, part of a vow for retribution that has been a theme of his return to the White House.
—Meg Kinnard, Fortune, 21 Sep. 2025
Dinner parties and supper clubs are back and more popular than ever, and hosts are having plenty of fun going above and beyond in terms of themes and menus that feel tailored to the season.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2025
The success has spawned various hybrid formats mixing horror with comedy, religious themes and action.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theme
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.
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2025
Directive to Bondi to investigate political opponents Trump has ratcheted up his discussion of pursuing legal cases against some of his political opponents, part of a vow for retribution that has been a theme of his return to the White House.
—Meg Kinnard, Fortune, 21 Sep. 2025
Dinner parties and supper clubs are back and more popular than ever, and hosts are having plenty of fun going above and beyond in terms of themes and menus that feel tailored to the season.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2025
The success has spawned various hybrid formats mixing horror with comedy, religious themes and action.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theme
Cite this Entry
“Theme.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theme. Accessed 24 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
theme
noun1
a
: a subject for a work of literature, art, or music
guilt and punishment is the theme of the story
b
: a specific and distinctive quality, characteristic, or concern
the house was decorated in a country theme
2
: a written exercise : composition
thematic
adjective
thi-ˈmat-ik
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share