magpie 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of magpienext
as in eclectic
consisting of many things of different sorts a pack rat whose cramped apartment is filled with a magpie collection of books, old newspapers, and tchotchkes

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

magpie

2 of 2

noun

ˈmag-ˌpī How to pronounce magpie (audio)
as in chatterer
a person who talks constantly media magpies will no doubt seize upon the president's latest gaffe and blow it all out of proportion

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of magpie
Adjective
This mix-and-match approach played right into his own magpie sensibilities. — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 22 Dec. 2025 A little magpie accessorizing feels right here, and why fret over cold toes? — Talia Abbas, Vogue, 17 Nov. 2025
Noun
Both birds are members of the Corvidae family, which also includes magpies and jays, and both crows and ravens are famously playful and intelligent. — Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 31 Aug. 2026 Even the New York Times got in on the action, with a profile of the eccentric Sitwell (the charms her magpie, Hecate, are impossible to resist). — Kate Aurthur, Variety, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for magpie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for magpie
  1. eclectic
  2. jay
Adjective
  • His eclectic back catalog is more like a pick’n’mix of Swedish candy, filled with syrupy electro-pop and wonky and soulful house.
    — Harry Thorfinn-George, Pitchfork, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Food and drink Café Libre, next to the eclectic and cozy lobby, is a space designed to make guests and visitors feel right at home.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of eclectic
Noun
  • While some birds migrate south for the winter, others, like the blue jay and classic cardinal, remain on the East Coast and brave the cold.
    — Karen Hugg, Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Sparrows, jays, robins, and mockingbirds are some of the most common species to attack garden tomatoes.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of jay

Browse Nearby Words

magnum opuses
magpie
magpies
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Cite this Entry

“Magpie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/magpie. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about magpie

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