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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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of motley
Charlie Campbell, TIME, 21 Nov. 2024
Our motley little band of amateur crimefighters is launched.
—Suzanne Seggerman, Curbed, 14 Nov. 2024
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
His job is to piece back together South Asia’s second biggest economy of over 170 million people and shepherd the motley band of student leaders, military generals, Islamists, and opposition politicians who forced Hasina’s departure toward fresh elections.
—Charlie Campbell, TIME, 21 Nov. 2024
Our motley little band of amateur crimefighters is launched.
—Suzanne Seggerman, Curbed, 14 Nov. 2024
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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The eclectic boutique offers a mix of labels, from Ulla Johnson to Sea New York to Proenza Schouler.Elise Taylor, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2025
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This project for The Carlyle seems like a natural fit, marrying his vibrant, eclectic style with the hotel's signature elegance.Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Years ago, for appearances, the actress would lean on colorful separates to point to her affinity for bold hues and patterns.Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 9 Jan. 2025
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Sofia Jeans by Sofia Vergara Strapless Ruffle Dress This Sofia Jeans by Sofia Vergara strapless dress is now just $9 and comes in a colorful floral print or black to suit your style.Ali Faccenda, People.com, 9 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The story features Mauro, a clown who dreams of a carnival where a parade of revelers are celebrating his life.Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
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Both movies feature a killer clown, but while Joaquin Phoenix’s grinning menace suffers from delusions of grandeur and an unspecified mental illness, the hideous ghoul from hell in Terrifier known as Art hacks away at his victims with no discernible motivation beyond the grisly acts themselves.Eric Kohn, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Check in here: Runners will find a warm welcome at Corpo Santo Hotel, a property near the finish line that offers a marathon kit filled with an assortment of amenities, including water and energy bars along with a complimentary massage.Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
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Oort Cloud Sam Walters is a journalist covering archaeology, paleontology, ecology, and evolution for Discover, along with an assortment of other topics.Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Shape: Tools with varied edges work best for different body areas.Lisa DeSantis, Glamour, 13 Jan. 2025
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Strengthening school safety is a top priority for families, communities and educational institutions, and innovative solutions are necessary to protect against varied and expanding physical and digital threats.Expert Panel®, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Another disaster might make the Steelers or any team fools for casting their lot with Pickens.Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2025
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Wednesday’s game could be a Finals preview, but predicting June’s outcomes in January feels like a fool’s errand.Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
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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
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Owners’ names now read like jumbles of computer code, retirement homes or rock bands: Silver Sage, Dream Homes, Blue Apple, P Fin VII, Wref II, 3xs2, Vivid, Straight Red Lines, TKJK, Jags Proper.Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2024
Adjective
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While Woody Johnson is on the receiving end of much ridicule from assorted VOS Gasbags and mouths from other media precincts, he is rarely given credit for presiding over the NFL’s most entertaining reality show.Bob Raissman, New York Daily News, 11 Jan. 2025
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The Chateau penthouse was overflowing with actors and assorted glitterati, including two of last year’s biggest pop stars in Charli XCX and Sabrina Carpenter.Benjamin Svetkey and Julian Sancton, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near motley
Cite this Entry
“Motley.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motley. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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