motley
9 synonyms and 0 antonyms for motley, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Made up of a wildly varied, often mismatched, mix of elements or people.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use motley
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English motle, related to Old English mot ("speck") — the same root that gives us mottle.
Full origin of motley →Frequently asked questions
What does “motley” mean?
The word “motley” means made up of a wildly varied, often mismatched, mix of elements or people. In plain terms, a mixed, varied group or pattern, often used for an odd assortment of people or things.
How do you pronounce “motley”?
“Motley” is pronounced MOT-lee (/ˈmɑtli/ in IPA).
How do you use “motley” in a sentence?
Here is “motley” used in a sentence: “A motley crew of volunteers showed up to help clean the beach.”
What part of speech is “motley”?
Depending on how it is used, “motley” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “motley” come from?
The word “motley” comes from Old English. From Middle English motle, related to Old English mot ("speck") — the same root that gives us mottle.
How many meanings does “motley” have?
“Motley” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: made up of a wildly varied, often mismatched, mix of elements or people.