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mottle 1 of 2

noun

ˈmä-tᵊl How to pronounce mottle (audio)
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

as in to sprinkle
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 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
Its flowers are huge and orange, marked or mottled with maroon splotches. — Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026 The foliage is typically mottled with silvery or light green variegation. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for mottle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mottle
  1. blotch
  2. sprinkle
  3. fleck
  4. dot
  5. patch
  6. stain
  7. speck
  8. pepper
Noun
  • Juveniles can be distinguished by their dark facial bands and gray or tan body patterned with black or brown blotches.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Crews are also using steam to remove blotches of chewing gum, which have turned black over time.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of blotch
Verb
  • Spread the marinara sauce over the eggplant in an even layer, then sprinkle evenly with the panko mixture.
    — Kate Williams, AJC.com, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Didier Fuentes has essentially filled in as the setup man in Suarez’s absence, with left-hander Dylan Lee also sprinkling in some appearances.
    — Jesús Cano, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of sprinkle
Noun
  • Some kits include stone-like chips or flecks to scatter over the surface of the wet paint for a realistic effect.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Hundreds of flecks of sequins caught the light as Jenner made her way down the red carpet, glittering from every angle.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of fleck
Verb
  • The purple walls are dotted with photos of the homegrown superstar, who passed away ten years ago this year.
    — David Farley, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Cranes dot the landscape as more and more townhomes and developments take shape.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of dot
Noun
  • Although it can be used once daily, glycolic-acid newcomers and sensitive skin types may want to start with two or three evenings a week—whether applying it to the face, scalp, or rough patches below the neck—and work their way up.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Continue reading … FIELD OF FURY — Midwest pumpkin patch sparks outrage with Charlie Kirk corn maze tribute.
    — , FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of patch
Verb
  • The case has attracted widespread attention because the nature of Fortune’s death recalled lynchings in the Southern state, which has a tumultuous civil rights history stained by episodes of racial violence.
    — Sophie Bates, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • More rubbing produces mahogany, tan and brown hues, caused by staining from contact with vegetation.
    — Jim Zumbo, Outdoor Life, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of stain
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
Definition of speck
Verb
  • In 2016, the duo then cofounded Monse, the luxury American fashion brand known for reworking masculine staples and peppering in cool girl femininity.
    — WWD Staff, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026
  • The result is a beautiful array of original paintings, photography and even sculptural works that pepper the offices with names like Petra Cortright and Spencer Lewis.
    — Oren Peleg, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of pepper

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Mottle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mottle. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

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