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

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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 Similarly, every motif woven into the pieces represents some sort of message or folklore. — Anne Pinto-Rodrigues, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Mar. 2025 Consider black accents, dark metals like pewter, and subtle skull or raven motifs. — Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Mar. 2025 Guinea fowl, small birds that can take down predators while working in groups, become an apt metaphor for the way the women bond together, as well as a haunting visual motif. — Esther Zuckerman, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2025 The border motifs are not in keeping with Opus Anglicanum work from the 12th or 14th centuries. — Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025 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
  • Rather, repeat viewings were driven by word of mouth and the themes of family, coming of age, parental sacrifice and dedication and the pursuit of justice.
    — Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The differences between the two versions are subtle but significant, emphasizing themes that were central to Niebuhr’s thought.
    — Scott Paeth, The Conversation, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of theme
Noun
  • Amplifying Housing Challenges The housing market is deeply entangled within broader economic patterns, a reflection of collective confidence in the future and Canada’s capacity to maintain meaningful employment.
    — Ali Hoss, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • However, the perfectionist nature of Virgo can also increase the fear of making mistakes and the patterns of self-criticism that try to keep us down.
    — Danijela Pilic, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of pattern
Noun
  • Basic training in granular but powerful topics like these can make a big difference.
    — Arturo Garcia, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Her interests extend to topics such as human evolution, psychology, and quirky animal stories.
    — Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of topic
Noun
  • Disciplines include but are not limited to musical creation or performance, theater, dance, choreography, writing, design, film, television, radio and broadcasting, visual art, multimedia, writing, technology/innovation, architecture and design.
    — Paul Grein, Billboard, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Dedicate a day of your visit to exploring the incredible buildings here, like the creole cottages that blend Caribbean and French Canadian design.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of design
Noun
  • That duo of assault allegations led to Los Angeles County D.A. Jackie Lacey’s office opening its own probe into the matters.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Then, there is the matter of how the benefits of some cover crops are not fully realized until they are incorporated into the soil.
    — Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of matter
Noun
  • Bull’s Heart by Eva Stefani Reasoning: With Bull’s Heart, Eva Stefani offers us a masterpiece that stretches beyond the fragmented aspects of one of the greatest artists of our time, touching upon broader socio-political and ontological questions with both dreamlike and utterly realistic elements.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Big question remains how soon transfer QB Carson Beck will begin throwing following right-elbow surgery in December while at Georgia.
    — Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of question

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Cite this Entry

“Motif.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motif. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on motif

Nglish: Translation of motif for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about motif

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