1
as in themes
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
2
as in patterns
a unit of decoration that is repeated all over something (as a fabric)
the fabric for the upholstery features a scallop shell motif
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 motifs
These motifs evolve into deeper explorations of aggression and subcultural aesthetics, dedicating space to his film Trash Humpers and the Shadow Fux paintings.
—
Robert Lang, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026
The Singapore Botanical Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the world's great urban green spaces, inspired everything from the color palette (soft greens, aqua blues, natural wood tones) to the botanical motifs that appear in textiles and art throughout the property.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Apr. 2026
Vintage Guess surf and skate graphics are layered and remixed with Hysteric’s motifs and retro stripes across a range of tees.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2026
Nature design motifs are sprinkled throughout the dining room, such as redwood paneling bearing carvings of a redwood tree and a topography map of Kirkwood Mountain, where the Riches like to ski.
—Cesar Hernandez, San Francisco Chronicle, 27 Mar. 2026
This colorful Anthropologie pick thinks outside the classic checkerboard with interspersed fruit and floral motifs breaking up the uniform pattern.
—Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 26 Mar. 2026
These were large, monochromatic canvases featuring roses and other motifs obscured by large X’s.
—News Desk, Artforum, 26 Mar. 2026
The launch underscores the growing appeal of zodiac motifs in jewelry.
—Milena Lazazzera, CNN Money, 20 Mar. 2026
That’s true even when those films’ themes and motifs veer uncomfortably close to my daily life.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 20 Mar. 2026
Robert Lang, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026
The Singapore Botanical Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the world's great urban green spaces, inspired everything from the color palette (soft greens, aqua blues, natural wood tones) to the botanical motifs that appear in textiles and art throughout the property.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Apr. 2026
Vintage Guess surf and skate graphics are layered and remixed with Hysteric’s motifs and retro stripes across a range of tees.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2026
Nature design motifs are sprinkled throughout the dining room, such as redwood paneling bearing carvings of a redwood tree and a topography map of Kirkwood Mountain, where the Riches like to ski.
—Cesar Hernandez, San Francisco Chronicle, 27 Mar. 2026
This colorful Anthropologie pick thinks outside the classic checkerboard with interspersed fruit and floral motifs breaking up the uniform pattern.
—Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 26 Mar. 2026
These were large, monochromatic canvases featuring roses and other motifs obscured by large X’s.
—News Desk, Artforum, 26 Mar. 2026
The launch underscores the growing appeal of zodiac motifs in jewelry.
—Milena Lazazzera, CNN Money, 20 Mar. 2026
That’s true even when those films’ themes and motifs veer uncomfortably close to my daily life.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 20 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motifs
Noun
-
In addition to the themes Common Sense Media highlights, the Trigger Warning Database's list also includes potentially triggering events or themes, like drugging, avalanches, poverty and more.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The stylistic decision aligns the song’s themes with Taylor’s legacy, drawing parallels between old Hollywood glamour and modern celebrity culture.—
Claire Dodds,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Bands of darker skin often followed similar patterns from patient to patient—a series of V’s along the upper spine, S’s along the abdomen, and an inverted U across each breast.—
Jerome Groopman,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Federal investigations into these patterns reinforce that the technology is still evolving and not yet proven safe.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.—
Daniel McFadin,
Arkansas Online,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Nacua was one of several topics McVay addressed during a 30-minute session with reporters.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The ceiling is decorated with representations of Italian coins from the Etruscans to the early 20th century, the floor consists of colorful geometric mosaics, and gazing down on the scene are busts of various iconic Italian figures, from Marco Polo to Alessandro Volta.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The decision drew immediate fire from El-Sayed's primary opponents and national Democratic figures, forcing a rare public reckoning over how far the party should go to recapture young men who abandoned it in record numbers in 2024.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But such is the risk-reward of attempting to get ahead of the game in such matters before cost increases.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
31 Mar. 2026
-
This is where d/acc’s democratic instinct matters.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Add Structural Edging or a Raised Border Structural edging and raised borders create clean lines that suit contemporary designs, says Stucchi.—
Alexandra Kelly,
Martha Stewart,
5 Apr. 2026
-
And good architects can actually elevate the earlier structures when thoughtfully incorporating them into new designs.—
Edward Keegan,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
These words are fascinating to consider in relation to Soderbergh, who has flitted among genres and subjects with a facility that is easily mistaken for dilettantism, or even ventriloquism.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
-
And Mayor Mamdani, who manages to say so much on so many subjects, has yet to publicly comment on the assault on Williams or his subsequent passing.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In addition to carrying her own creations in the 800-square-foot storefront, Wolfer’s inventory includes handmade quilts, greeting cards, oyster shell ornaments and photography on display.—
Sarah Kyrcz,
Hartford Courant,
30 Mar. 2026
-
What remains in a lot of these tracks, then, are dazzling little ornaments.—
Joshua Minsoo Kim,
Pitchfork,
24 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Motifs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motifs. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
