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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of motley
Matt Grobar, Deadline, 26 Feb. 2025
One of the key modernist figures formed her dance company 60 years ago as a motley troop of five women who danced spontaneously outdoors for passersby.
—Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 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 film takes place in today’s world as Detective Shay Williams (Union) and her partner Galpin (Colter) become trapped inside the Ursuline Convent with a motley group (including Castillo, Frewer and Lennon) when the Casket Girls escape from their attic prison for the first time in over 300 years.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 26 Feb. 2025
One of the key modernist figures formed her dance company 60 years ago as a motley troop of five women who danced spontaneously outdoors for passersby.
—Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 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
-
At your literal doorstep was a veritable world capital of social connection, retail nirvana and eclectic dining opportunities.—
David Petitti,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Snag a seat underneath a canopy of palm fronds, where you’ll be surrounded by eclectic art and the sound of live music.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Curaçao With colorful Dutch architecture, multicultural charm, and an easygoing pace of life, Curaçao attracts sun-seekers from around the world.—
Kathleen Peddicord,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Best Restaurants Jack's Beach Bar Set on the sands of Princess Margaret Beach, Jack's Beach Bar embraces its barefoot, beachy feel while offering an elevated dining experience with fresh cuisine and colorful cocktails.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
13 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
In real time, the audience, the queens watching, and perhaps Suzie herself all learn that Suzie has a knack for sexiness onstage, even though she’s dressed as a clown.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
12 Apr. 2025
-
Among the mass-shooting victims is a bloodied clown who was performing at the festival.—
James Poniewozik,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
From an assortment standpoint, data helps massively as well.—
Megan Poinski,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
-
What was wrong with an assortment of kingdoms, fiefdoms, and tribes?—
Jay Nordlinger,
National Review,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Your unique, varied experience works against you in keyword scoring.—
Gina Riley,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
-
Fruit should be part of a varied diet that includes vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy.—
Ann Pietrangelo,
Verywell Health,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Holding out hope for Hannah’s return, or Janine’s liberation, or… anything, really, by this point in the Hulu drama’s final run can feel like a fool’s errand.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
8 Apr. 2025
-
That said, sense-making is a fool’s errand in this era.—
Damon Beres,
The Atlantic,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Instead, voters themselves are jumbles of competing and sometimes contradictory interests.—
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
14 Feb. 2025
-
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
Adjective
-
What’s clearly on display throughout Epic Universe is world building on a scale traditionally more assorted with Disney parks.—
Tom Tapp,
Deadline,
7 Apr. 2025
-
My standard ocean-view room was a generous 500 square feet and furnished with a four-poster king bed, a three-seat sectional sofa, a writing desk, ample closet space for two, and a glass hutch that held a Nespresso coffee maker, art books, and assorted figurines.—
Denny Lee,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Motley.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/motley. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share