1
as in colored
having blotches of two or more colors
a mottled complexion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
Danielle Parker, CBS News, 21 Apr. 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
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 8 May 2026
The air rang with random alarms; the soft surfaces were mottled with mystery stains.
—Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mottled
Adjective
Miss Freedom was now fleeing down the avenue, her mottled body almost airborne.
—Danielle Parker, CBS News, 21 Apr. 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
The foliage is typically mottled with silvery or light green variegation.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 8 May 2026
The air rang with random alarms; the soft surfaces were mottled with mystery stains.
—Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mottled
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mottled
Adjective
-
Calvo, who is often chaufferred by a police escort but was driving himself on Sunday, also received a second citation under the Florida Statute that regulates the use of emergency and colored lights on vehicles.—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
15 June 2026
-
Crosby used acrylic paint, colored pencils, charcoal, and transfers on paper to create the massive 9-by-10 piece.—
CBS Chicago Team,
CBS News,
15 June 2026
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
Verb
-
The town is home to 35 different accommodations sprinkled along oceanfront El Mar Drive and its surrounding streets.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
17 June 2026
-
Dolshun recommends diatomaceous earth, a natural alternative to harsher insecticides that comes as a powdery substance that can be easily sprinkled in problem areas.—
Ashley Chalmers,
The Spruce,
17 June 2026
Adjective
-
Cabana has built an entire universe around pattern, color, and decorative exuberance, and this marbled wastebasket fits perfectly within that world.—
Jaha Nailah Avery,
Architectural Digest,
15 June 2026
-
Go for a marbled swirl of blue and orange that feels like wearable art.—
Amanda Le,
InStyle,
9 June 2026
Adjective
-
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
-
The scalloped edges and speckled texture add a textural layer to your tapescape while serving as a sweet landing spot for serving utensils during meals.—
Mina Dragani,
Architectural Digest,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
Opt for a material that’s white washed or stained for a farmhouse look.—
Rachel Fletcher,
Architectural Digest,
19 June 2026
-
Crime scene technicians called in to help execute a search warrant reported observing blood spattered all over Mao’s bedroom, and a machete and two dumbbells stained with blood.—
Robert Salonga,
Mercury News,
17 June 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
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Mottled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mottled. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
