assortment

noun

as·​sort·​ment ə-ˈsȯrt-mənt 

1

a

: the act of assorting

b

: the state of being assorted

2

: a collection of assorted things or persons

Synonyms

• agglomerate
• agglomeration
• alphabet soup
• botch
• clutter
• collage
• crazy quilt
• farrago
• gallimaufry
• grab bag
• gumbo
• hash
• hodgepodge
• hotchpotch
• jambalaya
• jumble
• jungle
• litter
• macédoine
• medley
• mélange
• menagerie
• miscellanea
• miscellany
• mishmash
• mixed bag
• montage
• motley
• muddle
• olio
• olla podrida
• omnium-gatherum
• pastiche
• patchwork
• patchwork quilt
• potpourri
• ragbag
• ragout
• rummage
• salad
• salmagundi
• scramble
• shuffle
• smorgasbord
• stew
• tumble
• variety
• welter

Examples of assortment in a Sentence

The book has a wonderful assortment of characters.

You can choose from a wide assortment of options.

Recent Examples on the Web

Owner Letty Ketner sealed the moment by bringing over a tableside pot of hot water with an assortment of teas to choose from. —Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 24 Jan. 2025

The brands dropped a second assortment with fresh washes. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 23 Jan. 2025

On Tree Longevity Sam Walters is a journalist covering archaeology, paleontology, ecology, and evolution for Discover, along with an assortment of other topics. —Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 22 Jan. 2025

El-Baz has worked closely with Apple Music in the past on an assortment of campaigns and launches, sources tell THR. —Nicole Fell, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing assortment

• independent assortment
• law of independent assortment

Kids Definition

assortment

noun

as·​sort·​ment ə-ˈsȯ(ə)rt-mənt 

1

a

: arrangement in classes

b

: the quality or state of being made up of various kinds

2

: a collection of different things or persons

Medical Definition

assortment

see independent assortment