Definition of mottlenext
as in blotch
a small area that is different (as in color) from the main part canvases covered with streaks and mottles

Synonyms & Similar Words

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mottle

2 of 2

verb

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 mottle
Noun
Turn the mottle of ideas in your head into coherent communicable paragraphs. New Atlas, 23 Jan. 2026 As branching coral look-alikes, the cuttlefish splayed out their arms and displayed dark mottles to blend in with staghorn coral. Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Mar. 2025
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 mottle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mottle
Noun
  • Crews are also using steam to remove blotches of chewing gum, which have turned black over time.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The next morning, a galaxy of itchy red bumps and blotches stretched from my shoulder to my hip.
    Ben Crair, New Yorker, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • However, the Tar Heels have some dangerous playmakers sprinkled around the roster, including sophomore running back Demon June and junior wide receiver Jordan Shipp, who had 84 yards against TCU last season.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Coltrane is also deeply interested in the Buddhist principles of karma and dharma, or the moral duties and obligations to a right way of life, which are sprinkled throughout the novel.
    Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The soup itself has an almost lemon curd-like acidity and sweetness, and it’s laced with flecks of fresh corn and tiny diced pieces of zucchini.
    Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Amid his vast responsibilities running all the departments in the Giants’ front office, Zaidi still found the time to pore over MLB Draft League statistics and look for flecks of gold.
    Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Nepal's mountainous terrain, dotted with deep valleys and narrow gorges, makes rescue and relief operations challenging.
    Arshad R. Zargar, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • People come from all over to enjoy its nostalgic Main Street dotted with fun shops.
    Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • This $6 high-neck tank is a layering staple (under a polka-dot cardigan, perhaps), while this chambray button-down is practically begging to be worn at the pumpkin patch.
    Annie Blackman, InStyle, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Riders go down a steep slope on large inner tubes before hitting a small bump to slow down and finally stopping on a turf patch.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • But even the most dependable pieces eventually become too stained, scratched, or mismatched for food storage.
    Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Clark’s denim featured unique distressing, looking as if the denim was once white and stained with coffee.
    Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 23 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Calcium shows up as bright white specks on the coronary artery images.
    Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Pulse a few times, until crumbs range in size from specks to peas.
    Leah Eskin, Midwest Living, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Evander Da Silva Ferreira scored his 13th goal — as Cincinnati peppered Seattle keeper Andrew Thomas with four shots in the 24th minute — to give Cincinnati a 1-0 lead.
    ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Ahead of his first game back at Fenway Park, local reporters had their opportunity to pepper Devers with questions.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mottle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mottle. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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