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motley

[mot-lee] / ˈmɒt li /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The musicians are part of a motley crew of public figures and aid groups descending on the island by air and sea this week with medicine, water, food, solar panels and other supplies.

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

José María Zuloaga gathers a motley outfit of army irregulars—it includes released Native American prisoners and a sharpshooting nun—to pursue the captive.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

History, by this model, offers motley warnings, reality-checks and sober inspirations for the work ahead in place of a master narrative.

From Salon • Jan. 3, 2026

When she and her family inevitably left town and didn’t stumble upon Charlie Brown and his motley crew, she was perplexed.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 23, 2025

The newly formed Central Intelligence Agency, not yet two years old, was a fledgling organization with a motley staff.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau