1
as in eclectic
consisting of many things of different sorts
a ship with a motley crew of old salts, young adventurers, and shifty characters of all ages
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in colorful
marked by a variety of usually vivid colors
a tropical bird with motley plumage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in assortment
an unorganized collection or mixture of various things
a motley of old junk stored in the attic
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of motley
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Apr. 2026
Unify your containers Over the years, most gardeners accumulate a motley collection of pots — the terra cotta from a garden center trip, the plastic nursery pot that never got swapped, the novelty planter from a gift shop.
—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Charlotte Observer,
21 Apr. 2026
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
20 Feb. 2025
Kaan kaan wu, with its motley of melds, is where these two tiles from different suits can be used in a clean-sweeping hand.
—
Rudy Lee,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2023
See All Example Sentences for motley
Adjective
The motley mix of guests is not as formal; guests are here on vacation, wearing Birkenstocks and comfortable walking shoes in warmer weather, along with light sweaters and jeans during the cooler months (during Prague’s frigid winter, the hotel has very low occupancy).
—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Apr. 2026
Unify your containers Over the years, most gardeners accumulate a motley collection of pots — the terra cotta from a garden center trip, the plastic nursery pot that never got swapped, the novelty planter from a gift shop.
—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Charlotte Observer,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
Her goal is to start a women’s consciousness-raising group, and her efforts have brought together a motley, inquisitive quintet.
—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
20 Feb. 2025
Kaan kaan wu, with its motley of melds, is where these two tiles from different suits can be used in a clean-sweeping hand.
—
Rudy Lee,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2023
See All Example Sentences for motley
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motley
Adjective
-
The British filmmaker has assembled an eclectic cast to play the heroes and goddesses, sorceresses and swineherds.
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Taking a cue from nickelodeon piano players, composer John Powell steers the mood with a vibrantly eclectic score of sprightly ragtime, violin pathos and popcorn crescendos.
Adjective
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The coast is dotted with colorful fishing villages, while the region’s interior is made up of rolling green hills and gently sloped vineyards.
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Fast-food chain Sonic, for instance, has a timely deal and colorful commemorative cups.
Noun
-
Being a gent or a supplicant wasn’t the same as being a fool, though.
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Don’t let the simple style fool you, though, because the ultra-soft foam insoles provide solid arch support.
Noun
-
Complete your sleep sanctuary with cozy body pillows, laundry essentials, and a wide assortment of colors and styles.
-
Pinned to their random assortment of hats were scrawled, handmade signs proclaiming liberty or death.
Adjective
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Main categories include cycling, hiking, and multi-sport, all offering varied difficulty levels.
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The three-time Grand Slam doubles champion has a varied game with a killer serve, and she won’t be intimidated by Świątek.
Adjective
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Saperavi is the starting point for reds — the name means dye in Georgian, a reference to its extraordinary pigmentation, one of only a handful of grapes in the world with naturally colored flesh and juice.
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People are encouraged to drink plenty of water, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, and avoid outdoor activities during the warmest parts fo the day.
Noun
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The group demonstrated near the Washington Monument and was met by a few counter protestors, one of which played clown music throughout the majority of the demonstration.
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But many did not, as the 1981 episodes tell the grim tale of a young girl named Sylvia (Barash), who is raped by a stranger wearing a horrifying clown mask.
Noun
-
Arches and natural bridges sweep like buttresses from jumbles of rock, giving this landscape a mystical, cathedral-like quality.
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Macaroons are chewy jumbles of coconut bound together with egg whites and sweetened condensed milk.
Cite this Entry
“Motley.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motley. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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