The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word ASSORTED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
A
S
S
O
R
T
E
D
More clues leading to the result ASSORTED
- Various ashtrays emptied — problem solved!
- . Arsenic classified as ‘miscellaneous‘
- Various roads set out
- Divers when swimming do rest
- Classified ad featuring exotic escorts about to be removed
- Various roasts cooked by editor
- Various publicity about silly tosser
- Mixed, while fixed
- Motley beast or bad boy once
- Diverse, like Dorset possibly
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Variegated" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case variegated = assorted.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does ASSORTED mean?
ASSORTED verb- To sort or arrange according to characteristic or class.
- To be of a kind with.
- To be associated with; to consort with.
- To furnish with, or make up of, various sorts or a variety of goods.
- Composed of a number of different kinds or types; mixed; miscellaneous.