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
Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2025
Rubio will face fellow senators at his confirmation hearing in what is likely to be among the least contentious sessions for Trump’s motley array of nominees.
—Beth Greenfield, Fortune Asia, 15 Jan. 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
The gumshoe’s exploits, punctuated with suspense, dark comedy and a motley cast unique to the demimonde of the Mexican capital, have been made into films and a Netflix series and translated into English and other languages.
—Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2025
Rubio will face fellow senators at his confirmation hearing in what is likely to be among the least contentious sessions for Trump’s motley array of nominees.
—Beth Greenfield, Fortune Asia, 15 Jan. 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
-
Times staff writer Karla Marie Sanford attended the group’s February meeting and found a welcoming eclectic community.—
Jaclyn Cosgrove,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Feb. 2025
-
So, with sides C and D, all the extra songs just became this eclectic mix.—
Jessica Nicholson,
Billboard,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Boasting almost one million views, the slideshow shows the minuscule pup during his time at the shelter: dressed in brightly-colored sweaters, resting on colorful, warm blankets, and surrounded by toys—many of them bigger than him.—
Ross Rosenfeld,
Newsweek,
26 Feb. 2025
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Gone are the rainbow dreads of yore with Clinton taking the stage in Chicago clad in a colorful robe and a t-shirt bearing an image of the iconic P-Funk mothership following an enthralling opening performance by the Windy City’s own Tamarie T. & Thee Elektra Kumpany.—
Jim Ryan,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Robert Pattinson recalls lying on live TV about seeing clown die in car explosion as a kid: 'What on Earth?' Pattinson also surprised audiences at the convention, making an unannounced appearance alongside his director.—
Jessica Wang,
EW.com,
24 Feb. 2025
-
These clowns dressed as presidents appear immature and narcissistic.—
Nancy Tartaglione,
Deadline,
9 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Erivo did the same on Oscars night, wearing an assortment of diamond rings and hoops with a custom Louis Vuitton forest green velvet gown.—
Shannon Adducci,
Robb Report,
3 Mar. 2025
-
Each aims for timeless appeal with youthful twists and modest coverage, which extends to the new label’s beachwear assortment including 100 percent cotton double-gauze Vista bottoms, Laguna Fray button-up shirt and tiered maxi Reef skirt, which doubles as a maxidress.—
Emily Mercer,
WWD,
28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
In their original incarnation, the Dolls only lasted a few years, and Johansen went on to have a more varied career — as Buster Poindexter, as blues singer, as actor — than anyone could have imagined in the early Seventies.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
2 Mar. 2025
-
However, many more come from varied backgrounds and other countries.—
Anthony DeMarco,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
So, no, the Heat coach does not view hope amid this latest 1-6 run as a fool’s errand.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
25 Feb. 2025
-
The uncertainty means that while there has been a degree of recovery in the TV market, planning too far ahead is a fool’s errand.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
24 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
Minimize noise and clutter Dr. Small says environmental triggers like loud sounds and jumbles of papers and clothing can increase sundowning symptoms.—
Cathy Habas,
SELF,
17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Also for dessert will be assorted cookies, barks, bonbons, an apple strudel and ice cream sundaes made to order.—
Jack Smart,
People.com,
1 Mar. 2025
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Then there is the Bob Dylan Instagram account, featuring tour promos and, lately, assorted video clips, mostly of old movies.—
Matthew Strauss,
Pitchfork,
27 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Motley.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motley. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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