1
a
: a subject or topic of discourse or of artistic representation
guilt and punishment is the theme of the story
b
: a specific and distinctive quality, characteristic, or concern
the campaign has lacked a theme
2
: a melodic subject of a musical composition or movement
3
: a written exercise : composition
a research theme
4
Synonyms
Examples of theme in a Sentence
If one theme unites his scholarship it is that the Old South cannot be viewed as a monolith.
—
Eric Foner, New York Times Book Review, 8 Apr. 2007
One reiterated theme of his book is that the electoral process can be the most dangerous of delusions, tending to confer a spurious legitimacy on those most willing to corrupt it.
—Hilary Mantel, New York Review, 21 Sept. 2006
The Eve of biblical legend was a temptress, thus initiating a lamentable theme in the history of sexism.
—Stephen Jay Gould, Discover, July 1992
The quest for power is the underlying theme of the film.
A constant theme in his novels is religion.
The playwright skillfully brings together various themes.
The album focuses on themes of love and loss.
Adventures are popular themes in children's books.
The growing deficit was a dominant theme in the election.
The party had a Hawaiian luau theme.
They played the theme from the movie “Rocky.”
Eric Foner, New York Times Book Review, 8 Apr. 2007
One reiterated theme of his book is that the electoral process can be the most dangerous of delusions, tending to confer a spurious legitimacy on those most willing to corrupt it.
—Hilary Mantel, New York Review, 21 Sept. 2006
The Eve of biblical legend was a temptress, thus initiating a lamentable theme in the history of sexism.
—Stephen Jay Gould, Discover, July 1992
The quest for power is the underlying theme of the film.
A constant theme in his novels is religion.
The playwright skillfully brings together various themes.
The album focuses on themes of love and loss.
Adventures are popular themes in children's books.
The growing deficit was a dominant theme in the election.
The party had a Hawaiian luau theme.
They played the theme from the movie “Rocky.”
Recent Examples on the Web
Pointing finger | Climate legacy | Bad messengers All three Letters to the Editor on Nov. 13 have the common theme of providing explanations for why Donald Trump was elected — other than pointing out that the American people simply preferred him to the alternative.
—Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
Or put on Taylor’s famous stunning red lipstick and head to Bar Mordecai on Dundas Street West with four private karaoke rooms uniquely designed with musical vibes and inspirational themes.
—Miriam Porter, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Against that backdrop, the bank compiled a list of stocks with little exposure to election themes.
—Brian Evans, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024
Zhang believes Korean audiences recognized its themes surrounding generational clashes within families and the unique pressures felt by the college entrance exams held in South Korea and China.
—Mathew Scott, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for theme 
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Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
Or put on Taylor’s famous stunning red lipstick and head to Bar Mordecai on Dundas Street West with four private karaoke rooms uniquely designed with musical vibes and inspirational themes.
—Miriam Porter, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Against that backdrop, the bank compiled a list of stocks with little exposure to election themes.
—Brian Evans, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024
Zhang believes Korean audiences recognized its themes surrounding generational clashes within families and the unique pressures felt by the college entrance exams held in South Korea and China.
—Mathew Scott, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for theme
Dictionary Entries Near theme
Cite this Entry
“Theme.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theme. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
theme
noun1
a
: a subject for a work of literature, art, or music
guilt and punishment is the theme of the story
b
: a specific and distinctive quality, characteristic, or concern
the house was decorated in a country theme
2
: a written exercise : composition
thematic
adjective
thi-ˈmat-ik
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