1
as in themes
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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2
as in patterns
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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Recent Examples of motifs
The rest of the collection taps into fanciful motifs, like the triangle edges in Royale that resemble a medieval flag or the zigzags and x-shapes found throughout.
—
Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 4 Oct. 2024
Ditto for the Warriors line, featuring different motifs such as sun, dawns and hearts on bangles and rings.
—Sandra Salibian, WWD, 3 Oct. 2024
The 26-piece collection reimagines some of Aries silhouettes with Arsenal’s motifs in pieces such as tracksuits, graphic T-shirts, football jerseys and denim sets.
—Layla Ilchi, WWD, 3 Oct. 2024
Body beautiful dressing, including lingerie, motifs, slip dressing, hourglass shapes and delicate soft colors.
—Rhonda Richford, WWD, 2 Oct. 2024
Elphaba’s green just so happens to be an ongoing accessories color trend in 2024, while Glinda’s baby pink is a softer take on last summer’s bright Barbie motifs.
—Olivia Cigliano, WWD, 1 Oct. 2024
Created in 1934, the Ludo bracelet features updates like delicate mesh in hexagon and briquette motifs, woven by the maison’s craftsmen to heighten the effect of a supple ribbon.
—Romany Williams, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2024
Sherpa began combining traditional Buddhist and Nepali motifs, colors, symbols, and techniques with pop culture references.
—Sakshi Agrawal, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2024
The kitchen is completely open to the living room with an arch that echoes the curves in the design of the windows and the motifs on the building’s facade.
—Nicolas Milon, Architectural Digest, 30 Sep. 2024
Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 4 Oct. 2024
Ditto for the Warriors line, featuring different motifs such as sun, dawns and hearts on bangles and rings.
—Sandra Salibian, WWD, 3 Oct. 2024
The 26-piece collection reimagines some of Aries silhouettes with Arsenal’s motifs in pieces such as tracksuits, graphic T-shirts, football jerseys and denim sets.
—Layla Ilchi, WWD, 3 Oct. 2024
Body beautiful dressing, including lingerie, motifs, slip dressing, hourglass shapes and delicate soft colors.
—Rhonda Richford, WWD, 2 Oct. 2024
Elphaba’s green just so happens to be an ongoing accessories color trend in 2024, while Glinda’s baby pink is a softer take on last summer’s bright Barbie motifs.
—Olivia Cigliano, WWD, 1 Oct. 2024
Created in 1934, the Ludo bracelet features updates like delicate mesh in hexagon and briquette motifs, woven by the maison’s craftsmen to heighten the effect of a supple ribbon.
—Romany Williams, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2024
Sherpa began combining traditional Buddhist and Nepali motifs, colors, symbols, and techniques with pop culture references.
—Sakshi Agrawal, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2024
The kitchen is completely open to the living room with an arch that echoes the curves in the design of the windows and the motifs on the building’s facade.
—Nicolas Milon, Architectural Digest, 30 Sep. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Motifs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motifs. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
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