Motive
Motive noun - A major object of interest or concern (as in a discussion or artistic composition).
Usage example: the principal motive of the piece was introduced in the flute section
Theme is a synonym for motive in pattern topic. In some cases you can use "Theme" instead a noun "Motive", when it comes to topics like motif.
Theme
Theme noun - A major object of interest or concern (as in a discussion or artistic composition).
Usage example: this dance piece deals with the timeless themes of birth and death
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Synonyms for Theme
Motive is a synonym for theme in idea topic. You can use "Motive" instead a noun "Theme", if it concerns topics such as pattern.
Nearby Word: thematic
Mutual synonyms
How words are described
| special | special motive | special theme |
| particular | particular motive | particular theme |
| similar | similar motive | similar theme |
| common | common motive | common theme |
| Other adjectives: specific, original, obvious, strong, actual, entire, real, big, dark, main, important, new, major, heroic, secondary, primary, different, overall, underlying. | ||
Both words in one sentence
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There was also the first trailer hinting that his motive was related to a possible grudge against lawyers, tying into the whole "Dark Age of the Law" theme.
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The presence of a mole amongst the students is the theme of Monokuma's fourth motive.
Source: Visual Novel / Dangan Ronpa - It seems like the main theme of the fanfic will be Will's motive for his HeelFace Turn before the beginning of the series
Cite this Source
Theme and Motive. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 16, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/motive/theme
Motive & Theme. N.p., 2016. Web. 16 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/motive/theme>.
Theme or Motive. 2016. Accessed August 16, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/motive/theme.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "motive" and "theme" have occurred on timeline