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

Even during the summer, some parts of it manage to maintain that small-town vibe and don't get unbearably crowded, boasting an assortment of adorable ice cream and coffee shops, long stretches of sandy beaches, and great waterfront access. —Alex Erdekian, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2024

The collection presented was filled with oversized suede handbags in brown and mustard yellow–additional highlights included a colorful assortment of sunglasses, structured outerwear, and boxy medium-sized bags. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 24 Apr. 2024

Sphere has attracted an assortment of highly positive and highly negative reviews from travelers. —Michael Salerno, The Arizona Republic, 23 Apr. 2024

Considered one of Hong Kong’s original vintage fashion stores, its main flagship location (there are three) is in a winding arcade and carries a staggering assortment of vintage denim and workwear across two floors. —Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2024

The maxi dress is available in slides S through XXL and an assortment of floral patterns and solid colors. —Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 17 Apr. 2024

Weschler now works as an investment manager for the conglomerate, which owns an eclectic assortment of companies including Geico insurance, BNSF railroad, See’s Candy, several major utilities and Dairy Queen. —Josh Funk, Fortune, 9 Apr. 2024

The contracts already have been ratified by an assortment of unions representing clerks, custodians, engineers, gardeners, librarians, mechanics and many other city workers. —David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2024

Nordstrom just redefined its namesake brand with a huge assortment of high-quality essentials that are on trend but won't go out of style after a season. —Brittany Talarico, Peoplemag, 3 Apr. 2024

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