theme
17 synonyms and 0 antonyms for theme, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The main subject or topic of a talk, book, or piece of art.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use theme
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Greek théma, "something laid down or proposed," from tithēmi, "to put, place."
Full origin of theme →Frequently asked questions
What does “theme” mean?
The word “theme” means the main subject or topic of a talk, book, or piece of art. In plain terms, the central subject something is about, or a visual/musical style tied to it.
How do you pronounce “theme”?
“Theme” is pronounced theem (/θiːm/ in IPA).
How do you use “theme” in a sentence?
Here is “theme” used in a sentence: “The theme of her speech was resilience.”
What part of speech is “theme”?
“Theme” is a noun.
Where does the word “theme” come from?
The word “theme” comes from Greek. From Greek théma, "something laid down or proposed," from tithēmi, "to put, place.".
Is “theme” a common word?
“Theme” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “theme” have?
“Theme” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the main subject or topic of a talk, book, or piece of art.
What is the difference between a theme and a topic?
A topic is what a work is literally about on the surface — its subject, such as war or family. A theme is the deeper idea or message the work conveys about that topic, such as 'war destroys innocence.' In short, the topic is the subject and the theme is the point being made.
What is the difference between a theme and a motif?
A theme is the central idea or message of a work. A motif is a recurring element — an image, symbol, phrase, or situation — that appears throughout and helps develop that theme. The motifs are the repeated details, while the theme is the larger meaning they build toward together.
What is an example of a theme?
Common themes include love, loss, justice, ambition, coming of age, and the struggle between good and evil. For instance, many classic novels explore the theme that unchecked ambition leads to downfall. A theme is usually expressed as an idea or observation about life, not just a single word.