Synonyms for motley

Grammar : Adj

Spell : mot-lee

Phonetic Transcription : ˈmɒt li

Top 10 synonyms for motley

Other synonyms for the word motley

Définition of motley

Origin : late 14c., "parti-colored" (originally of fabric), from Anglo-French motteley, probably from Old English mot "speck" (see mote). But Klein's sources say probably from Gaulish. "Diversified in color," especially of a fool's dress. Hence, allusively, "a fool" (1600). As a noun meaning "cloth of mixed color" from late 14c.

adj mixed, varied

Example sentences :

I trust not the varlet with whom I bartered it for my motley.
Extract from : « The Armourer's Prentices » by Charlotte M. Yonge

I mingled with the motley throng, my ears alert for any spoken opinions.
Extract from : « The Underdog » by F. Hopkinson Smith

The motley passengers were all sound asleep; no one had been disturbed by the fracas.
Extract from : « Pirates of the Gorm » by Nat Schachner

Hundreds of them there were, men of all races and planets, a motley crew.
Extract from : « Pirates of the Gorm » by Nat Schachner

The scene was changed now; the whole room was a mob—“motley the only wear.”
Extract from : « The First Violin » by Jessie Fothergill

In a little while the streets were alive with motley and noisy crowds.
Extract from : « The Scapegoat » by Hall Caine

Only one thing she did, and that against Motley's and her father's protest.
Extract from : « Kent Knowles: Quahaug » by Joseph C. Lincoln

From his station on the steps of the cross he turned and looked after the motley company.
Extract from : « The Shadow of a Crime » by Hall Caine

He turned to an attendant, and ordered him to go fetch a suit of motley.
Extract from : « The Shame of Motley » by Raphael Sabatini

But the odd figure in its motley of red and black continued where it stood.
Extract from : « Love-at-Arms » by Raphael Sabatini

Antonyms for motley

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019