motif

noun

mō-ˈtēf How to pronounce motif (audio)
Definition of motifnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pattern
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 motif Its winding path — and its goose motif — serve as the inspiration for Fortunae, Ginori 1735’s latest collection of collectible porcelain and home decor. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026 Rooms feature lanais, rattan furniture, and carpeting with bamboo motifs. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 To fully lean into cottagecore motifs, take note of the bobbin details in furniture pieces like the Cornwall console that’s now 20% off. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for motif
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motif
  1. theme
  2. pattern
  3. topic
  4. design
  5. matter
  6. question
Noun
  • But the seeds are planted quickly for weightier themes to be explored later.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The two biggest themes in the letter address OpenAI’s ability to monitor its advanced models and its engagement with third-party safety organizations, such as METR.
    — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of theme
Noun
  • Almost as alarming as the incidents themselves has been the government’s refusal to acknowledge a pattern of abuse that is clearly metastasizing at the Department of Homeland Security.
    — Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Ironically, the one spot where Dearborn Park genuinely engages the cityscape is along the west side of State south of Roosevelt where a row of single-family homes follows Chicago’s typical development pattern.
    — Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of pattern
Noun
  • Both candidates wove personal attacks and affordability points into questions that a panel of journalists from across the state asked on a variety of topics.
    — Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Instead of responding with just text, ChatGPT will now add graphics, tappable buttons, forms, charts, and interactive tools to make complex topics easier to understand.
    — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of topic
Noun
  • Rooms Splayed across the cliff front and dense, thrumming jungle at the southwestern tip of Bali, the 37 villas that make up the property as of 2026 are each completely unique in design, character and art.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Often, the company sets its standards based on Japan’s service protocol, counter design and product innovation.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of design
Noun
  • Furnari recalled that some of the song’s early music and lyrics came together quickly, but writing words that could do justice to their experience was another matter.
    — Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 4 Oct. 2026
  • This achievement could give scientists a new way to control how light interacts with matter, study extremely fast quantum processes, and eventually distinguish molecules that are mirror images of each other.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of matter
Noun
  • The Israeli authorities have questions to answer, said The Jerusalem Post.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Such plaudits raise the question of how Movistar Plus moves forward from here.
    — John Hopewell, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of question

Browse Nearby Words

mother wit
motif
motifs
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Cite this Entry

“Motif.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motif. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on motif

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about motif

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