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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of motley
Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025
Investigators soon determined, and so did the courts, that a motley group of arsonists had intentionally torched the factory, seemingly for the insurance money.
—Jody Mamone, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2025
Esha Chhabra, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2022
His tall, broad-shouldered hunchback stomps around the court in the multi-colored motley teasing his master and his henchmen with seeming good-natured gaiety.
—Bill Hirschman, sun-sentinel.com, 14 Mar. 2022
See All Example Sentences for motley
Adjective
Pregnant right whales migrate southward in the Atlantic Ocean to the waters off the Florida and Georgia coasts each winter to give birth, often loosely accompanied by a motley assortment that includes adult males and females as well as juveniles.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025
Investigators soon determined, and so did the courts, that a motley group of arsonists had intentionally torched the factory, seemingly for the insurance money.
—Jody Mamone, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
With a total team of 25 today, Schaper is trying to juggle a motley of distribution channels, each with their own unique needs and processes.
—Esha Chhabra, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2022
His tall, broad-shouldered hunchback stomps around the court in the multi-colored motley teasing his master and his henchmen with seeming good-natured gaiety.
—Bill Hirschman, sun-sentinel.com, 14 Mar. 2022
See All Example Sentences for motley
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motley
Adjective
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Here is a selection of highlights to show the eclectic range of work.—
Joanne Shurvell,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
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The eclectic Colts owner also played in his eponymous band, often playing at events showcasing items from his collection.—
Jacob Lev,
CNN Money,
21 May 2025
Adjective
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Pixar's Finding Nemo immortalized the colorful clownfish, with its distinctive orange body and white stripes, in the popular imagination.—
Jennifer Ouellette,
ArsTechnica,
21 May 2025
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Martin said the business’ sign, visible from Rogers Avenue, and colorful paint job were points of contention.—
Randal Seyler,
Arkansas Online,
21 May 2025
Noun
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Elves, insectoids, reptilians, aliens, gods, and clowns are all common.—
Andy Greenberg,
Wired News,
22 May 2025
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Fans can also look forward to performances by the iconic Silver Spurs Quadrille, the adorable antics of kids competing in Mutton Bustin’, and plenty of laughs courtesy of the ever-entertaining rodeo clowns.—
Joe Rassel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 May 2025
Noun
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The area initially comprised an assortment of restaurants and shops that visitors passed through to get to the exit.—
Christopher Clark,
The Dial,
13 May 2025
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City council members had an assortment of questions about the sale of the artwork, the university’s junk bond status by Moody’s, and whether the university had a backup plan if the council voted against pitching in with the bond issue.—
Amy Lavalley,
Chicago Tribune,
13 May 2025
Adjective
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Alternatives, a varied category of assets beyond traditional equities and bonds, can significantly enhance portfolio resilience and growth.—
Fred Hubler,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
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CrossFit is based on the philosophy that constantly varied movements performed with moderate intensity improve physical competence.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
12 May 2025
Noun
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There’s a holy fool quality to the boy, who is the subject of teasing.—
Charles McNulty,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2025
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Hardly anyone would prefer to be made the fool — healthy skepticism can prevent you from clicking on a phishing link in an email or joining a multilevel marketing scheme — but a life of cynicism isn’t preferable either.—
Allie Volpe,
Vox,
7 May 2025
Noun
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Instead, voters themselves are jumbles of competing and sometimes contradictory interests.—
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
14 Feb. 2025
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Baker also leads the orchestra, which sounds grand — although the sound in the arts center’s Pugh Theater often left musicians, lead singers and chorus all at the same level, with actors speaking over all of it at the same time to create a sonic jumble.—
Matthew J. Palm,
Orlando Sentinel,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The product will come in at least five varieties – milk, dark, white, caramel and assorted – and will hit shelves in September.—
Amelia Lucas,
CNBC,
9 May 2025
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There’s also sweet options such as Orange Date Scones that are served warm with house made lemon curd, Almond Financier, and assorted Petits Frais.—
Aly Walansky,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Motley.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motley. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
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