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Synonyms

miscellaneous

American  
[mis-uh-ley-nee-uhs] / ˌmɪs əˈleɪ ni əs /

adjective

  1. consisting of members or elements of different kinds; of mixed character.

    a book of miscellaneous essays on American history.

    Synonyms:
    diversified, heterogeneous, varied, divers
  2. having various qualities, aspects, or subjects.

    a miscellaneous discussion.


miscellaneous British  
/ ˌmɪsəˈleɪnɪəs /

adjective

  1. composed of or containing a variety of things; mixed; varied

  2. having varied capabilities, sides, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

Miscellaneous, indiscriminate, promiscuous refer to mixture and lack of order, and may imply lack of discernment or taste. Miscellaneous emphasizes the idea of the mixture of things of different kinds or natures: a miscellaneous assortment of furniture. Indiscriminate emphasizes lack of discrimination in choice (and consequent confusion): indiscriminate praise. Promiscuous is even stronger than indiscriminate in its emphasis of complete absence of discrimination: promiscuous in his friendships.

Other Word Forms

  • miscellaneously adverb
  • miscellaneousness noun

Etymology

Origin of miscellaneous

1630–40; from Latin miscellāneus “mixed, of all sorts,” equivalent to miscell(us) “mixed” + -ān(us) -an + -eus -eous

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 only segment to record weakened sales in November was sporting goods, hobby, musical instrument, book, and miscellaneous retailing, the data agency said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

Alternatively, couples might resolve to establish “yours,” “mine” and “ours” bank accounts where the joint account is used for monthly expenses with a budget that may or may not include miscellaneous activities.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 5, 2025

One account said the Russians paid the Kashia Pomo people already living there “three blankets, two axes, three hoes, and a miscellaneous assortment of beads” for the use of the land.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2025

Millions of miscellaneous items are posted for sale each day, but on 7 August 2016, something unusual happened.

From BBC • May 27, 2024

The high-cheating holidays are fraught with miscellaneous anxieties and the high expectations of loved ones.

From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt