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
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Recent Examples of motifs
The oil, oil stick, pigments, and graphite on canvas marries myriad cultural and self-referential images, symbols, and motifs, mostly notably Móyòsóré Martins’ signature Watchman figure.
—
Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
From menswear motifs like herringbone and plaid to double-breasted shapes inspired by uniform dressing, our favorite jackets include all the essentials—plus some with a little more of a fashion-forward edge—to style with your go-to T-shirts and fall boots.
—Kristina Rutkowski, Glamour, 12 Sep. 2025
Color, texture and small details like patterns and sartorial motifs clue the audience further into a character’s interiority.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025
Known for his bold use of color, playful bows, and signature heart motifs, Kelly’s work mixed joy and wit with sharp social commentary.
—Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 10 Sep. 2025
Wallot designed a highly ornate building, drawing on classical motifs.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 9 Sep. 2025
Loloi x Magnolia Home Sinclair Collection Area Rug Perfect for tying the entire room together, this area rug has antique motifs, subtle distressing details, and neutral shades of taupe that go with all kinds of hues.
—Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
Bold geometric motifs, warm earthy hues like ochre, avocado green, and deep browns, plus textured fabrics such as velvet, shag rugs, and macramé wall hangings all add a sense of playfulness and comfort.
—Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2025
It’s embellished with aspen tree wallpaper, deer motifs, and red-and-black plaid armchairs that look like your favorite flannel shirt.
—Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 4 Sep. 2025
Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
From menswear motifs like herringbone and plaid to double-breasted shapes inspired by uniform dressing, our favorite jackets include all the essentials—plus some with a little more of a fashion-forward edge—to style with your go-to T-shirts and fall boots.
—Kristina Rutkowski, Glamour, 12 Sep. 2025
Color, texture and small details like patterns and sartorial motifs clue the audience further into a character’s interiority.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025
Known for his bold use of color, playful bows, and signature heart motifs, Kelly’s work mixed joy and wit with sharp social commentary.
—Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 10 Sep. 2025
Wallot designed a highly ornate building, drawing on classical motifs.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 9 Sep. 2025
Loloi x Magnolia Home Sinclair Collection Area Rug Perfect for tying the entire room together, this area rug has antique motifs, subtle distressing details, and neutral shades of taupe that go with all kinds of hues.
—Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
Bold geometric motifs, warm earthy hues like ochre, avocado green, and deep browns, plus textured fabrics such as velvet, shag rugs, and macramé wall hangings all add a sense of playfulness and comfort.
—Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2025
It’s embellished with aspen tree wallpaper, deer motifs, and red-and-black plaid armchairs that look like your favorite flannel shirt.
—Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 4 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motifs
Noun
-
Specialized walking tours go beyond the main landmarks, focusing on themes that bring the city’s culture into sharper focus.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Did themes of aging and mortality seep into your own thinking?—
Brian Hiatt,
Rolling Stone,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Historical patterns often show the president's party losing ground in midterms under similar conditions.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
-
The silky gel gets along with every curl type (our testers ranged from 2A to 3C), encasing spirals of all patterns in a pliable cast that helps keep them buoyant.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Take the topics discussed, or perhaps not discussed, at the family dinner table and host them in fun places where the public can easily engage.—
Taylor Seely,
AZCentral.com,
18 Sep. 2025
-
At work, however, the topics are closer to our heart, have a more immediate impact on our day, and are issues where our reactions might actually move the needle on a topic.—
Jay Sullivan,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
ABC's move is latest high-profile example of media figures facing repercussions for comments about Kirk's killing.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Facts and figures The Red Sox are 82-69.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Again, Dell’s frequent price shifts can dramatically alter each configuration's value, so timing matters.—
Charles Jefferies,
PC Magazine,
18 Sep. 2025
-
For instance, when rolling out a difficult organizational change, setting clear guidelines shows visible commitment, and provides immediate small wins that prove why change matters.—
Sheri Bachstein,
Time,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
His designs were built under license by Bristol for use in British passenger trains, too.—
Mark Ewing,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
-
The company suggests that effective immersion cooling could also enable simpler and more compact battery pack designs, potentially reducing complexity and cost.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
In the study, subjects were instructed not to use their regular acne routine, and all used the same cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen without acne-fighting ingredients.—
Megan McIntyre,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
-
While detailing the first in-person meeting between her and Rodríguez, Pascal spoke about the specific rhetoric that trans actors sometimes come up against, which is that trans actors should connect with trans subjects based solely on identity, rather than the many other aspects of their humanity.—
Mathew Rodriguez,
Them.,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
For easy place cards, write the names of guests on clear ornaments and fill them with extra berries.—
Savanna Bous,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 Sep. 2025
-
In addition to the Jesus tower, another would be dedicated to Mary, with bluish granite ornaments meant to evoke her iconic cloak; there would also be spires for each of the four Evangelists and the twelve apostles.—
D. T. Max,
New Yorker,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Motifs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motifs. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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