Motif and Pattern

Motif

Motif noun - A unit of decoration that is repeated all over something (as a fabric).
Usage example: the fabric for the upholstery features a scallop shell motif
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Synonyms for Motif

Pattern is a synonym for motif in design topic. In some cases you can use "Pattern" instead a noun "Motif", when it comes to topics like thing, part, central theme. popular alternative

Pattern

Pattern noun - A unit of decoration that is repeated all over something (as a fabric).
Usage example: a coverlet with a nosegay of tiny pink roses as the pattern
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Synonyms for Pattern

Motif is a synonym for pattern in design topic. You can use "Motif" instead a noun "Pattern", if it concerns topics such as thing, part. popular alternative

How words are described

old old motif old pattern
familiar familiar motif familiar pattern
clear clear motif clear pattern
distinctive distinctive motif distinctive pattern
Other adjectives: particular, similar, usual, common, specific, regular, certain, original, light, spiral, obvious, entire, distinct, blue, black, white, unique, repeated, general, basic, different, recurring, red.

Both words in one sentence

  • Symbol Motif Clothing In many splash pages, the characters wear clothing with a motif resembling the heart-like pattern on Sakura's feathers.
  • Light Novel / Heavy Object This isn't helped by the designers who gave Milinda's a school uniform collar, "Oh Ho Ho" a school swimsuit pattern, and Putana a nurse motif.
  • It may even be a double motif: a pattern on somebody's sofa, an emblem on the heroine's shirt or a bumper sticker on the hero's car.
    Source: Motifs
Cite this Source
Pattern and Motif. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 15, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/motif/pattern
Motif & Pattern. N.p., 2016. Web. 15 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/motif/pattern>.
Pattern or Motif. 2016. Accessed August 15, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/motif/pattern.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "motif" and "pattern" have occurred on timeline