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
Francesca Wade, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
Yet the current edition of PST revealed the pitfalls of an approach that asks such a motley group of institutions to align their attention and expertise around one theme, one specific moment.
—Bryan Barcena, Artforum, 1 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
Image From 1840, Peabody’s became the meeting place for a motley group of women, aged between 13 and 60, who came together simply to talk.
—Francesca Wade, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
Yet the current edition of PST revealed the pitfalls of an approach that asks such a motley group of institutions to align their attention and expertise around one theme, one specific moment.
—Bryan Barcena, Artforum, 1 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
-
The decor is funky vintage, with an eclectic mix of objects that just somehow go together, from rustic side tables piled high with books and games to an antique bicycle hanging on the wall.—
Jill Robbins,
Southern Living,
27 Feb. 2025
-
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
Adjective
-
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
-
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
-
The three-time AL MVP played in 82 or fewer games in three of the last four seasons while dealing with an assortment of injuries.—
Houston Mitchell,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2025
-
Mixed-use malls retain an assortment of retail stores and dining options, but those traditional mall staples now share space with bank branches, blood centers, police stations, tax preparation services and even residences.—
Auzinea Bacon,
CNN,
15 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Ghostly encounters are peppered through the promo, to varied levels of fear.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
18 Feb. 2025
-
In stacked and varied casts during his time on the show, Sudeikis more than held his own, displaying a star wattage (even while playing a dancing sidekick) that's gone on to serve him especially well since leaving in 2013.—
Dennis Perkins,
EW.com,
16 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Both arenas are designed around performers, sometimes made to look the fool and other times a noble voice of the people, but where one lands always depends on the moment in which a joke or plea is delivered.—
Harrison Richlin,
IndieWire,
15 Feb. 2025
-
Don’t let the shiny patent black leather fool you, though.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
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
-
In the theater space, he was involved with the company’s investment in Empire Street Productions, and assorted individual project investments on both Broadway and London’s West End (Prima Facie, The Band’s Visit).—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
18 Feb. 2025
-
Saldana’s jewelry which consisted of a necklace, earrings, and assorted rings was striking, these pieces were credited to De Beers.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
16 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Motley.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motley. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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