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
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 Remember to continue your daily sunscreen use to stave off more mottle. — Katie Becker, Harper's BAZAAR, 5 Oct. 2015
Verb
The mosquito, mottled in neon pink and purple, can be seen on a nearby computer screen. — Ari Daniel, NPR, 11 June 2026 The surface appears slightly mottled or burnished, giving it the feel of something that’s been hand-made and used for years. — Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Feb. 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
  • Verticillium wilt causes similar blotches and yellowing.
    — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2026
  • Pine snakes can grow up to 56 inches in length, have black, brown, and russet scales with dark blotches along their backs, and are noted for having a pointed nose, which experts believe may help with burrowing.
    — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026
Definition of blotch
Verb
  • Generously sprinkle both sides of the steak well with the dry rub mix.
    — Staff, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • Thomson sprinkles critique throughout his book like seasoning unevenly applied to a gamey piece of meat.
    — Michael O’Donnell, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026
Definition of sprinkle
Noun
  • Light streams through the frosted glass, catching flecks of dust.
    — Ashley Andreou, STAT, 22 June 2026
  • But flecks of green were visible throughout the stadium as Algeria fans made their presence known as well.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 17 June 2026
Definition of fleck
Verb
  • Europe is dotted with picture-perfect isles that lie waiting to be explored.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 8 July 2026
  • Our time at Sana left us eager to see one of the real cenotes dotted along the Riviera Maya.
    — Flora Stubbs, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
Definition of dot
Noun
  • The formula smooths wrinkles, reduces laugh lines, softens dry patches, and perks up the eye area to deliver plumper, firmer skin.
    — Grace Scollo, InStyle, 4 July 2026
  • Solarization Solarization is an effective method that uses the sun to kill large patches of Bermuda grass.
    — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026
Definition of patch
Verb
  • Buchanan, was responding to a burglary report at a Verizon store across the street and noticed a broken window stained with blood, per the footage.
    — Ben Brachfeld, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
  • Waterproof surfaces like quartz or marble handle spills and splashes without staining.
    — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of stain
Noun
  • New York State created a Law, for an instant speck of time, going back many decades, in order to wrongfully ‘nab’ me.
    — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 29 June 2026
  • One released a chaff cascade—hell’s own monsoon manifesting as specks of light, sound, and EM pulses falling through the hanging garden.
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 26 June 2026
Definition of speck
Verb
  • On July 1, during a public meeting of Rosado’s Loop group, Robaina and longtime trail advocates peppered a half-dozen county representatives with questions about the project’s status, cost and funding sources.
    — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 8 July 2026
  • That tweet has been peppered by at least a dozen community notes that keep coming and going, challenging PlayStation’s assertions about digital adoption.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of pepper

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mottle
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Cite this Entry

“Mottle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mottle. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of mottle for Spanish Speakers

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