MOTTLED Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

mottled 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of mottled

as in colored

having blotches of two or more colors a mottled complexion

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in dotted

marked with spots mottled leather upholstery that isn't supposed to look perfect

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

mottled

2 of 2

verb

past tense of mottle

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

Adjective

The first, inspired by vintage luxury, is a mottled gold frame with bead wood. — Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 25 Aug. 2026 The shallowest sections near the coast appear bright aquamarine, the deepest shift toward cobalt or lapis, and a mottled turquoise fills the space between. — Sarah Bruning, Travel + Leisure, 6 Aug. 2026

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 mottled

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mottled

Adjective

Hazel is actually an unusual, multi-colored eye type that features a mix of brown, green, and gold or amber hues.

— Lars Brandle, Billboard, 7 Oct. 2026
In a city better known for restrained modernism, La Tulipe is a playful bouquet of concrete and colored glass.

— Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of colored

Adjective

Peghah Maleknejad, fashion director of Hero and Heroine Magazine, bought the dotted mesh long dress for $359 on her phone while waiting for the Alainpaul show to start.

— Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026
To reduce confusion, the top plate has a dotted pattern around each key position that can accept a magnetic switch.

— Francisco Lahoz, PC Magazine, 12 Sep. 2026

Definition of dotted

Verb

There is just enough wry humor—think Shaun of the Dead—sprinkled throughout to keep things from getting too grim, often deriving from Bryan’s cluelessness and general lack of skills.

— Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2026
Sheets of nori are coated with tempura batter and sprinkled with a togarashi-ish spice blend.

— Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of sprinkled

Adjective

The special inclusion this time were orca beans, a stunning black and white marbled heirloom bean that isn’t available for purchase outside of the PANTRi membership.

— Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Sep. 2026
Jam Crumb Cake Spreadable fruit jam ribbons through this buttery crumb cake, sinking here and there for a marbled look.

— Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of marbled

Adjective

At least some of the time, Hawthorne really was warming the little speckled eggs from which his masterworks would hatch.

— Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
Sometimes, these genetic acrobats would jump into the middle of a purple pigment gene and interfere with its function, producing a speckled cell.

— Jake Buehler, Quanta Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of speckled

Verb

The prosecutor then showed the jury Daniela’s shirt, which the detective said was stained by brown decomposition fluid, and Julia’s clothing, including her underwear soaked in blood.

— Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
Dozens of arrests have been made but so far no one has been convicted in an affair that traumatized Mexico and stained the country's reputation.

— CBS News, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of stained

Verb

The pillowy dough is flecked with cinnamon and crowded with tender chunks of apple.

— Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
Mikey Madison’s pink- and purple-flecked tinsel became one of the defining beauty details of Ani in 2024’s Anora, while Zara Larsson has made shimmering, maximalist hair a fixture of her Midnight Sun era.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of flecked

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“Mottled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mottled. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of mottled

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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