THEME Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

theme

noun

ˈthēm

Definition of theme

as in topic

a major object of interest or concern (as in a discussion or artistic composition) this dance piece deals with the timeless themes of birth and death

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in article

a short piece of writing done as a school exercise please write a one page theme on the main character of this book

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in essay

a short piece of writing typically expressing a point of view the magazine will award a scholarship to the student who writes the best theme on the concept of personal freedom

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of theme Our first round of the showcase had a definite dumpling theme, which included the dumpling trio from China pavilion and two orders from Gyozas of the Galaxy, including basil pesto chicken (creamy) and street corn-style (sorta spicy). — Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026 This Saturday’s theme is a SpongeBob crossover version of Rocky Horror, in which the cast has been working for months crafting new props and costumes. — Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 The cyberpunk classic melds timeless eye candy with themes of mortality and identity. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 The artificial intelligence boom was another big theme in Warsh’s speech. — Jeff Marks,zev Fima,kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for theme

Recent Examples of Synonyms for theme

Noun

Big picture The league and the union are meeting regularly on various topics, but their disagreement on core economics — whether to move to a cap system — leaves little room for progress on the major issues.

— Evan Drellich, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Journalists working on environmental topics in sub-Saharan Africa are coming under attack, a new report found.

— Preeti Jha, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of topic

Noun

Much of the content generated promoted an organization called the International Burke Institute (IBI), the website of which features articles copied from real academic writing, sometimes with false attribution.

— Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026
This article originally ran on November 25, 2019, and is being republished in light of the news of Dolly Parton’s death.

— Becca James, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of article

Noun

Watson went on to create Our Shared Shelf in 2016, a feminist book club that focused on discussing books and essays about gender equality.

— Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Aug. 2026
Following his 2019 essay for the New Yorker, Murakami recounts a compelling history of fatherhood, family and obligation, transforming an uncanny childhood memory into a deeply personal history.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of essay

Noun

Repetitive motifs in various shapes were her trademark, resembling netting, swirls or worms, but most often dots, dancing proudly on her canvases or as sparkling balls or dots of light in her installations in all their vibrant, psychedelic glory.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Her looks often incorporated classic country motifs like cowboy hats or bell-bottom jeans, though usually made Dolly-appropriate with a healthy helping of sparkles and vibrant hues.

— Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of motif

Noun

The profit figure was driven by a massive paper gain in the company's strategic investment portfolio, which includes a stake in Anthropic.

— Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
The senators cited a fall 2025 UC San Diego faculty work group paper that found about 1 in 12 incoming UCSD freshmen were testing below high school math standards, a share that the report said grew nearly thirtyfold since 2020.

— Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of paper

Noun

Conduct a Soil Test Taking samples of the soil from several places in the lawn will provide information about soil acidity (pH), nutrient levels, and organic matter content.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 29 Aug. 2026
From obscurity to the top of the football world, all in the matter of a few days.

— Sam McDowell August 29, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of matter

Noun

Like all other alumni interviewed for this story, one of the first things Oberlander mentioned about her love for Killian was athletics — football games in particular.

— Austin Horn August 29, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
Your stories are a great reminder of what sports teaches high school students about life.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of story

Noun

As Kevin Warsh thinks more hawkishly than expected in Washington, the answers to many of his questions may be in Seoul.

— William Pesek, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Although not quite as polished on the racial politics front, Lanterns’s third episode is no less intriguing, as an hour of television dedicated not only to answering pressing questions but fleshing out its lead character in disturbing ways.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of question

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(the) masses

theme

themes

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Theme.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/theme. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of theme

noun

Example Sentences

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