Synonyms for motif

Noun

1. motif, design, pattern, figure

usage: a design that consists of recurring shapes or colors

2. motif, motive, theme, melodic theme, musical theme, idea

usage: a theme that is elaborated on in a piece of music

3. theme, motif, idea, thought

usage: a unifying idea that is a recurrent element in a literary or artistic work; "it was the usual `boy gets girl' theme"