motif

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In retrospect, taken collectively, much of McCarthy’s work as an actor, filmmaker and journalist hinges on the friendship motif — that primordial ache to belong, that yearning to be seen.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

Adidas' iconic three stripes feature along the shoulders and down the sleeves and a purple and green thistle motif, symbolising Scotland's national flower, is on the reverse collar.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

The team noted that this hand stencil stands out as a unique variation of a common motif.

From Science Daily • Mar. 22, 2026

Lest we forget, the Iraq War–era jingoism that inflected American pop culture at the time was also a fundamental motif of the 2000s internet.

From Slate • Mar. 20, 2026

The most revealing feature in this compromise motif is that on each issue, both sides could plausibly believe they had gotten the best of the bargain.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis