miscellaneous

[mis-uh-ley-nee-uhs]

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

/ ˌmɪsəˈleɪnɪəs /

adjective

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

2. having varied capabilities, sides, etc

Other Word Forms

• miscellaneousness noun
• miscellaneously adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of miscellaneous¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of miscellaneous¹

C17: from Latin miscellāneus, from miscellus mixed, from miscēre to mix

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

The number of whales getting tangled up in fishing nets, line, buoys and other miscellaneous rope off the coasts of the United States hit a record high in 2024, with California taking the ignominious lead.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Moore’s Refinishing is packed to the brim with mid-century furniture, pipe clamps and drawers of miscellaneous tools.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Cameroni De Adams was found three weeks later on Dec. 6 “wedged under miscellaneous items in the vehicle’s middle row,” according to the claim.

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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.

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Publicly traded U.S. companies must disclose top executives’ salaries, the value of newly granted stock and options and an assortment of miscellaneous perks like personal security guards or corporate jets.

Read more on New York Times

Related Words

• sundry