mottled 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of mottlednext
1
as in colored
having blotches of two or more colors a mottled complexion

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dotted
marked with spots mottled leather upholstery that isn't supposed to look perfect

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

mottled

2 of 2

verb

past tense of mottle
as in sprinkled
to mark with small spots especially unevenly old papers that were mottled by mold

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 mottled
Adjective
At Taquearte, the split rolls are slathered with refried beans and chorizo, then blanketed in a single layer of mottled cheese. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 Looking more at feeding patterns, flea beetles will leave a mottled speckling of numerous small feeding holes across leaf surfaces. — Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
Its flowers are huge and orange, marked or mottled with maroon splotches. — Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026 The mosquito, mottled in neon pink and purple, can be seen on a nearby computer screen. — Ari Daniel, NPR, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for mottled
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mottled
  1. colored
  2. dotted
  3. sprinkled
  4. marbled
  5. speckled
  6. stained
  7. blotched
  8. flecked
Adjective
  • Saperavi is the starting point for reds — the name means dye in Georgian, a reference to its extraordinary pigmentation, one of only a handful of grapes in the world with naturally colored flesh and juice.
    — Michelle Williams, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • People are encouraged to drink plenty of water, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, and avoid outdoor activities during the warmest parts fo the day.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026
Definition of colored
Adjective
  • So if the Heat money is there – with or without Giannis Antetokounmpo – Norm signs on the dotted line.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2026
  • Mercury’s clash with Neptune begs you to hold off on signing on the dotted line.
    — USA TODAY, USA Today, 3 June 2026
Definition of dotted
Verb
  • Plant food is then sprinkled onto the root ball and the surrounding soil.
    — Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 2 July 2026
  • Sculptures and paintings by local artists are sprinkled throughout the 18 rooms, which are swathed in pastel shades like apricot and mint, reminiscent of the artwork and architecture in Emirdag’s other home in the South of France.
    — Liam Hess, Vogue, 1 July 2026
Definition of sprinkled
Adjective
  • Semi-sheer, marbled accent nails look like they’ve been stained with blackberry juice.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 29 June 2026
  • In January, the health secretary rolled out the new food pyramid—with a marbled rib eye in the pole position.
    — David Merritt Johns, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026
Definition of marbled
Adjective
  • Some speckled quartz counters mix in gold or silver sparkles for an effect that catches the light.
    — Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 30 June 2026
  • The soles of the sneakers draw from Jordan’s original Infrared Air Jordan 6, but add a touch of speckled detailing to switch things up.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 18 June 2026
Definition of speckled
Verb
  • If your clothing is stained from fabric softener, rinse the spot in the warmest water recommended for the garment.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 2 July 2026
  • Semi-sheer, marbled accent nails look like they’ve been stained with blackberry juice.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 29 June 2026
Definition of stained
Adjective
  • The whole rug needs to get wet or colors in the fiber could migrate and result in a blotched look.
    — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2025
Definition of blotched
Verb
  • Around us were rolling hills flecked with houses, dappled by the sun shining through the clouds.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 June 2026
  • Open the door to streets lined with trees and flecked with benches, where the bell of the light rail dings its warning as cyclists zip by on narrow roads.
    — Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 10 June 2026
Definition of flecked

Browse Nearby Words

mottle
mottled
mottles
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Cite this Entry

“Mottled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mottled. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of mottled for Spanish Speakers

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