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
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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
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
This made us—with all our human, mortal limitations—rather like the God of all those past centuries of belief, or should that be credulity: the God who retained and stored away everything in his motley, moveless time, in which nothing was new or old, remote or recent.
—
Margaret Jull Costa,
Harper’s Magazine ,
10 Apr. 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
This made us—with all our human, mortal limitations—rather like the God of all those past centuries of belief, or should that be credulity: the God who retained and stored away everything in his motley, moveless time, in which nothing was new or old, remote or recent.
—
Margaret Jull Costa,
Harper’s Magazine ,
10 Apr. 2023
See All Example Sentences for motley
Recent Examples of Synonyms for motley
Adjective
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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
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Don’t let the cream’s $8 price tag fool you; the anti-aging find tackles fine lines, wrinkles, and clogged pores, all while being gentle enough for all skin types.
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This is an ignoble war making monsters and fools out of its participants, and against the uncontrollable weapons that are dragons, everyone’s resolve is crumbling.
Noun
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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 only leaders more buffoonish and lethal than the fairground hucksters elected in our failing democracies are the omnipotent clowns of tyranny.
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Up until his first day of filming Jackass, Steve-O was a clown in nightclubs, cruise ships and at a flea-market circus.
Noun
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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 3 Jul. 2026.
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