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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Stacy Zarin Goldberg Lisa Shaffer, the owner and creative director of Washington, DC, studio Lisa & Leroy, is inspired by an eclectic mix of styles and cultures.—
Dan Howarth,
Architectural Digest,
28 Apr. 2025
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The eclectic ambiance, adorned with Uzbek tapestries, complements the adventurous palate of its offerings. Casa Dragones Tasting Room A staple in San Miguel's spirits scene, the Casa Dragones Tasting Room offers an immersive experience into the world of premium tequila.—
Michaela Trimble,
Vogue,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The Scuderia Ferrari driver’s bold, colorful, and whimsical looks have garnered much attention in the style world and earned him the title of ‘champion of style’ as well.—
Daisy Shaw-Ellis,
Vogue,
25 Apr. 2025
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That colorful language is shared by Chris Goulet, managing partner of Birdsong Brewing.—
Timothy DePeugh,
Charlotte Observer,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Clown Alert This post is a scaredy-cat guide designed mostly for viewers who suffer from flight anxiety, but some people are scared of clowns too.—
Anne Victoria Clark,
Vulture,
21 Apr. 2025
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The teaser does feature a glimpse at Calypso, the man who hosts the tournament, as well as a signature laugh from Sweet Tooth the terrifying clown.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Miss Nellie's is a lovely vibe post-show, and have a wonderful assortment of cocktails and mocktails.—
Shivani Vora,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
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Before King, Summer was portrayed by Lindsay Bushman, Samantha Bailey, and an assortment of twin child actors, including Elara and Rhea Kerwin, and Bianca and Chiara D’Ambrosio.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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What transpired over the next few minutes felt like a shot — or three — of pure Stagecoach adrenaline, stronger and more intoxicating than any of the varied liquors that had been guzzled all over the Empire Polo Club grounds over the previous 72 hours.—
Paul Albani-Burgio,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2025
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Diabetes is a lifelong condition whose consequences can be varied: nerve damage, heart disease, digestive problems, foot ulcers.—
Dhruv Khullar,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Presidents fought an undeclared war against Afghanistan for two decades costing $2.3 trillion on a fool’s errand concluding in a defeat by the Taliban.—
Bruce Fein,
Baltimore Sun,
1 May 2025
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The Lakers’ No. 1 defense over a 24-game stretch from mid-January through early March was fool’s gold, with Hayes’ play being the most unsustainable part.—
The Athletic NBA Staff,
New York Times,
1 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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Highly recommended, too, is a heaping plate of crunchy calamari, best enjoyed at a table while taking in the assorted bric-á-brac hanging throughout the restaurant like kitschy little reminders into Charlotte’s culinary past.—
Timothy DePeugh,
Charlotte Observer,
1 May 2025
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What might destroy our society is not immigrants or refugees or Palestinians or women seeking abortions or trans people or any of the other assorted others that have been posited as undermining American society.—
Viet Thanh Nguyễn,
Time,
28 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Motley.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motley. Accessed 7 May. 2025.
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