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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Recent Examples of motif
Arched French doors—a recurrent design motif throughout the property—open onto twin Juliet balconies with panoramic lake views.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 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
Gellar continued the dark style motif with black heels and opted for minimal jewelry pieces, including delicate earrings and rings.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for motif
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 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
Gellar continued the dark style motif with black heels and opted for minimal jewelry pieces, including delicate earrings and rings.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for motif
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motif
Noun
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The summit's themes include AI and the future of learning, as well as the impact of tech on youth mental health.—
Sooji Nam,
CBS News,
25 Mar. 2026
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His writing here is associative and nonlinear, not quite random but devoid of explicit plot or theme.—
Stephen Kearse,
Pitchfork,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Democrat, Republican, and independent voters (timely) often fall into the same flawed pattern when judging the nation's condition.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
23 Mar. 2026
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The pattern-aware Moon activates your 10th House of Career, supporting practical steps that showcase your skills and leadership in all settings.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.—
Bradley Gitz,
Arkansas Online,
23 Mar. 2026
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These certainly aren’t the only proposals candidates have on the topic, or all the candidates who are running for governor, but rather just some of the ideas floated to voters recently.—
Kaitlyn Schallhorn,
Oc Register,
22 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The findings suggest that muscle-like coordination may emerge not solely from biochemical signaling, but also from the physical design and connectivity of the system itself.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
22 Mar. 2026
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Fifty years ago, Chicago’s very own Weese demonstrated how to powerfully inspire us through architectural design that spoke of classical traditions in a clear new voice.—
Edward Keegan,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Salam said after an emergency Cabinet meeting in early March that only the state should decide on matters of war and peace and called on security agencies to prevent the firing of missiles or drones from Lebanon and detain those behind the launch.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 Mar. 2026
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The claim, remember, is that these cosmic voids are completely empty of normal matter, dark matter, and emit no detectable radiation of any kind.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Advice columnist Carolyn Hax takes your comments and questions most Fridays about life, family, relationships and more.—
Carolyn Hax,
Washington Post,
27 Mar. 2026
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The divided views highlight deeper questions about how the site should be redeveloped and whether an arena fits.—
Lilly Kersh,
Dallas Morning News,
21 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Motif.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motif. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
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