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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of motif
In under two minutes, West manages to stuff the song with even more of his current, uh, motifs.
—
Justin Curto, Vulture, 3 Apr. 2025
These modern embroidery kits, which come in a variety of charming maritime motifs, like this sardine tin from Hook, Line, & Tinker, are a favorite of Oma Blaise Ford, our senior executive editor.
—Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 2025
And with so many jungle motifs to play with, there’s lots to explore.
—Maggie Griswold, StyleCaster, 1 Apr. 2025
Mirador de la Flor, which translates to Lookout of the Flower, features a motif of white roses and a life-size bronze statue of the singer leaning against a center pillar, looking over the Corpus Christi Bay.
—Jacqueline Weiss, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motif
Justin Curto, Vulture, 3 Apr. 2025
These modern embroidery kits, which come in a variety of charming maritime motifs, like this sardine tin from Hook, Line, & Tinker, are a favorite of Oma Blaise Ford, our senior executive editor.
—Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 2025
And with so many jungle motifs to play with, there’s lots to explore.
—Maggie Griswold, StyleCaster, 1 Apr. 2025
Mirador de la Flor, which translates to Lookout of the Flower, features a motif of white roses and a life-size bronze statue of the singer leaning against a center pillar, looking over the Corpus Christi Bay.
—Jacqueline Weiss, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motif
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motif
Noun
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The theme plays out over longer time horizons, too.—
Greg Iacurci,
CNBC,
5 Apr. 2025
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The 24-year-old Pages’ base-running woes have emerged as a troubling theme for much of his brief time in the majors and this time cost the Dodgers a chance for Mookie Betts to hit with runners on.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
5 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The pattern was expected to break up on Sunday, with rains finally pushing east toward Georgia and the Florida Panhandle.—
Joseph Wilkinson,
New York Daily News,
6 Apr. 2025
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Lavalier microphone: Polar pattern: Omnidirectional.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
6 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Experts weigh in as party recoups from election loss Shifts in concern The level of worry about the most pressing issues has increased since Gallup’s last poll on this topic in 2024, conducted during the end of then President Joe Biden’s tenure.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
3 Apr. 2025
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Religion is the topic most likely to cause offense in India today, though the code is ambiguous on this point too.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Conspicuously anglo human characters resemble the generic design often seen in low-rent CG fare produced overseas: large heads with pristine skin and pronounced facial features.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
11 Apr. 2025
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And in another first for Netflix, the design of the thronglet characters from the game actually inspired the creatures in the episode itself.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Both Amazon and TikTok declined to comment on the matter.—
Megan Cerullo,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2025
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Astronomers look to the BAO scale, with separations of matter by about 480 million light-years, as a standard ruler.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
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These developments have unjustifiably prolonged this investigation and raise questions about the actual purpose of the proceeding.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
28 Mar. 2025
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There is no question that online shopping has dramatically changed all of retail, and TV shopping channels are no exception.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Motif.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motif. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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