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
as in sprinkled
to mark with small spots especially unevenly
old papers that were mottled by mold
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of mottled
Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2026
The cloud patterns are far too regular; realistic imagery shows a much more mottled vortex.
—Big Think, 15 Apr. 2026
Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026
But Tariq’s body was already cold, and his skin was mottled.
—Ben Taub, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mottled
Adjective
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
The cloud patterns are far too regular; realistic imagery shows a much more mottled vortex.
—Big Think, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
The air rang with random alarms; the soft surfaces were mottled with mystery stains.
—Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026
But Tariq’s body was already cold, and his skin was mottled.
—Ben Taub, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mottled
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mottled
Adjective
-
Investigators recovered video footage from a neighboring rhome that captured a dark-colored sedan matching the vehicle that was involved in previous incidents.—
S.E. Jenkins,
CBS News,
18 May 2026
-
Investigators recovered video footage from a neighboring residence that captured a dark-colored sedan matching the vehicle that was involved in previous incidents.—
Mateo Rosiles,
USA Today,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
Signaling support isn’t the same thing as signing on the dotted line, but going on the record in this manner is a big deal, especially in a blue state.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
13 May 2026
-
Similar to the actress’s blouse, this Amazon find has billowy long sleeves, a playful dotted print, and a tie neckline that adds extra fashion flair when poking out from under spring jackets and blazers.—
Mia Huelsbeck,
PEOPLE,
18 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
There are also special and unique antique trinkets sprinkled throughout the store that add an element of interest and curiosity.—
Renan Botelho,
Footwear News,
13 May 2026
-
With hints of Nashville and LA sprinkled throughout the shop, a KC native just opened a new boutique and embroidery bar in the Northland.—
Jenna Ebbers,
Kansas City Star,
12 May 2026
Adjective
-
The lights are low throughout the space, and the dark colors on the walls and ceiling, coupled with the white, marbled bar top and gold accents, give Alibi an opulent feel without feeling unapproachable.—
Sarah Gilliland,
Southern Living,
2 May 2026
-
The fabric has a slightly marbled appearance, which gives the jeans a more stylized look.—
Tanya Sharma,
PEOPLE,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
Usually, Ana waited inside for the delivery of the eggs, speckled blue and white and brown, with bright orange yolks, courtesy of Sunny, Moonbeam, Punky, Clucky, and Cosmo.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 May 2026
-
Accents of lilacs and some speckled greens were featured behind the appliqué too, emphasizing the whimsy of Klum’s attire.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
The street in front of the homes is seen stained with blood.—
Ana Maria Soler,
CBS News,
13 May 2026
-
In some stretches, the water is stained with chemical residue.—
Ayushi Shah,
CNN Money,
9 May 2026
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
-
Its leaves are deciduous and sometimes white-blotched.—
Howard Garrett,
Dallas News,
16 Aug. 2021
Verb
-
Dishes of shepherd’s pie blanketed in smooth, buttery mashed potatoes flecked with cheddar cheese.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
4 May 2026
-
Heintzman also devised a hot brown chowder, with a cream and broth base made to resemble the sandwich’s sauce, flecked with potatoes, corn, turkey, bacon, and tomatoes.—
Rich Warren,
Saveur,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mottled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mottled. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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