The word "miscellaneous" refers to a collection or group of various types or items that are not easily categorized. A similar word that can be used interchangeably in many contexts is "assorted." Both terms imply a mixture of different kinds of things or elements. For example, you might refer to a "miscellaneous collection of books" or an "assorted collection of books," and the meaning would be essentially the same.

Other words that can convey a similar meaning include "varied," "mixed," "diverse," "heterogeneous," and "sundry." Each of these words can be used to describe a group of items or elements that are of different types or kinds. The choice of word often depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey. For instance, "heterogeneous" might be used in a more scientific or technical context to describe a mixture of different substances, while "sundry" might be used in a more literary or formal context to refer to various unspecified items.

In summary, while "miscellaneous" is a specific term, there are several words that can serve as synonyms depending on the context, with "assorted" being one of the closest in meaning.