Theme Definition & Meaning

theme
noun
  1. the subject matter of a conversation or discussion; "he didn't want to discuss that subject"; "it was a very sensitive topic"; "his letters were always on the theme of love"
  2. a unifying idea that is a recurrent element in literary or artistic work; "it was the usual `boy gets girl' theme"
  3. (music) melodic subject of a musical composition; "the theme is announced in the first measures"; "the accompanist picked up the idea and elaborated it"
  4. an essay (especially one written as an assignment); "he got an A on his composition"
  5. (linguistics) the form of a word after all affixes are removed; "thematic vowels are part of the stem"
verb
  1. provide with a particular theme or motive; "the restaurant often themes its menus"

Synonyms for theme

base adj

serving as or forming a base; "the painter applied a base coat followed by two finishing coats" of low birth or station

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
composition noun

the spatial property resulting from the arrangement of parts in relation to each other and to the whole

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
idea noun

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about; "it was not a good idea

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
motif noun

a design or figure that consists of recurring shapes or colors, as in architecture or decoration a theme that is

♫ Rhymes
paper noun

a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses an essay (especially one written

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
radical adj

(used of opinions and actions) far beyond the norm; "extremist political views"; "radical opinions on education

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
report noun

a written document describing the findings of some individual or group

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
root noun

(botany) the usually underground organ that lacks buds or leaves or nodes; absorbs water and mineral salts

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
stem noun

(linguistics) the form of a word after all affixes are removed

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
subject adj

possibly accepting or permitting; "a passage capable of misinterpretation"; "open to interpretation

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms

"Theme" in song lyrics

See how theme is used in real songs:

  • "I figure ultimate-peace is the common theme"
    Aesop Rock — Holy Smokes
  • "my boss theme"
    Dre Dog — Even Pimps Get Broken Hearts
  • "Fading like the grey pages of old Exit Theme"
    Anubis5 — Cranberry Gingerale

Words that rhyme with theme

See all rhymes for theme →

Usage tips for "theme"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "theme" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for theme to find words that pair well.

Use "theme" in a verse

Now that you know what "theme" means, try using it in your own lyrics:

Generate a verse

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♫ Rhymes with theme ↔ Synonyms for theme 🔬 Words containing theme

Frequently asked questions

What does theme mean?
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion; "he didn't want to discuss that subject"; "it was a very sensitive topic"; "his letters were always on the theme of love" a unifying idea that is a recurrent element in literary or artistic work; "it was the usual `boy gets girl' theme" (music) melodic subject of a musical composition; "the theme is announced in the first measures"; "the accompanist picked up the idea and elaborated it" an essay (especially one written as an assignment)
What part of speech is theme?
Theme is a noun and a verb.
How many definitions does theme have?
Theme has 6 definitions across 2 parts of speech (noun, verb).

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