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
The motifs indicate a Late Bronze Age date of 1300 to 1100 BCE.
—
Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 25 Apr. 2026
While many of the building’s original features—including the soaring stucco ceilings decorated with a sun motif - have been preserved, the look and feel are more 21st-century magpie than slavish historical reverence.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Apr. 2026
Salon embraces that motif, with an asymmetrical, curving silhouette that's sure to get plenty of compliments.
—Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 23 Apr. 2026
My whole motif is this cinema queen, like the old Hollywood ingénue.
—Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for motif
Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 25 Apr. 2026
While many of the building’s original features—including the soaring stucco ceilings decorated with a sun motif - have been preserved, the look and feel are more 21st-century magpie than slavish historical reverence.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Apr. 2026
Salon embraces that motif, with an asymmetrical, curving silhouette that's sure to get plenty of compliments.
—Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 23 Apr. 2026
My whole motif is this cinema queen, like the old Hollywood ingénue.
—Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for motif
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motif
Noun
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There will be a view of the river from the commons and interior wall graphics will illustrate the theme of the design, which incorporates the concepts of earth, air, water and fire.—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
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Speed and trust were themes echoed by executives around the table.—
Diane Brady,
Fortune,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to account for sudden stops or changes in the traffic pattern.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Sunshine returns Monday, bringing a break from the wet pattern and highs climbing into the upper 60s.—
Baltimore Sun staff,
Baltimore Sun,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But topics also veer off to the mundane.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.—
Matt Parrott,
Arkansas Online,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The site design also features restroom facilities, laundry machines, internet access and a secured perimeter with around-the-clock onsite security.—
Hannah Elsmore,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
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David Gallos’s scenic design showcases a modest but welcoming home where Bertha’s biscuits bake in the oven, a box of dominoes lies tucked on a side table, and warm coffee heats on the stove.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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As her anxiety rises, sticking to the essentials has become a matter of financial survival, Rosado said.—
Jessica Guynn,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
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Given the importance of preserving relations with the FCC, which has a say over a range of local station matters and must approve any mergers involving the transfer of broadcast licenses, LeGeyt has deliberately avoided a direct clash with his Washington counterpart.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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These questions have been haunting Hong Kong for over forty years, about as long as Pau has been making art.—
Pauline J. Yao,
Artforum,
2 May 2026
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Although Abel will be driving the meeting, Berkshire shareholders are likely to still poise a wide variety of questions to the company’s leadership.—
Yun Li,Alex Harring,Sarah Min,
CNBC,
2 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Motif.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motif. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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