motion pictures

noun

plural of motion picture
as in movies
a story told by means of a series of continuously projected pictures and a sound track a popular novel that was made into a major motion picture

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 motion pictures The film will be among the 20 titles competing at the festival, running against other major motion pictures. — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 23 July 2026 Online voting for nominations in all categories will start on Monday, December 14, and run through Monday, January 4, for TV and ads and through Wednesday, January 6, for motion pictures. — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 21 July 2026 The coalition said in a news release the combined media company, if allowed to merge, would control nearly one-third of theatrical motion pictures and nearly one-third of basic cable programming. — Savannah Sicurella, AJC.com, 13 July 2026 As a result of this connection, Powell received offers to appear in motion pictures. — Arkansas Online, 16 May 2026 They’re scanned for motion pictures, visual effects, and for video games. — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 8 May 2026 Major motion pictures require literally thousands of specialists to make visions – fantastical, realistic, outlandish – come alive and be globally seen. — Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 2 May 2026 Phil Stong’s novel State Fair was inspired by it and went on to become three motion pictures and the Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway musical. — Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2026 Phil Stong’s novel State Fair was born of this very gathering, and went on to inspire three motion pictures and the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway musical. — Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 30 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motion pictures
  1. movies
  2. moving pictures
  3. films
  4. pictures
Noun
  • While reviewing Clancy’s cellphone records, her defense attorney pointed to multiple internet searches related to caring for and playing with children, including queries about trampolines and kids’ movies.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Set against the backdrop of Hollywood and the pleasure ground of Palm Springs, Mailer’s roman à clef follows a war hero who toys with selling his life story to the movies.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of movies
Noun
  • No combination of stilettos and old-fashioned shoe-leather can temper the fact that integrity, talent, hard work, and a dedication to treating everything from fashion to the moving pictures with seriousness is in perpetual danger of extinction.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The Polk Theatre, an ornate 1928 Italianate venue, has been screening films in Lakeland’s downtown square since before moving pictures had sound.
    — Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 28 Dec. 2025
Definition of moving pictures
Noun
  • In addition to providing free publicity for the films themselves, memes help to solidify an actor’s star power, influence and ubiquity in popular culture.
    — David Mack, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The warring impulses ought to cancel each other out, but Dante orchestrates his films’ elements so deftly that the contradictions enrich each other and create a worldview more distinctive and complex than those of Lucas and Spielberg.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of films
Noun
  • He was shown pictures and videos from the prosecution of the state of the house, including blood spatter.
    — Penny Kmitt, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • And while alumni watched from the sideline, the Bruins connected with youth football players on the field during, incorporating them into stretches, signing autographs and taking pictures.
    — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of pictures

Browse Nearby Words

motion picture
motion pictures
motions
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Cite this Entry

“Motion pictures.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motion%20pictures. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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