1
as in colored
having blotches of two or more colors
a mottled complexion
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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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
Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026
But Tariq’s body was already cold, and his skin was mottled.
—Ben Taub, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 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 air rang with random alarms; the soft surfaces were mottled with mystery stains.
—Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026
But Tariq’s body was already cold, and his skin was mottled.
—Ben Taub, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mottled
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mottled
Adjective
-
The telegram’s design is joyful and vivid, featuring illustrations of tiny hands tossing multi-colored hats and flowers into the air in a gesture of congratulation.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 June 2026
-
The throwback elements of Rush’s show – the zigzagging colored lasers, the bursts of pyro that momentarily stunned with their booms, the gratification of watching musicians so focused on their music that running around the stage was not an option – reminded of a simpler era of concert-going.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
8 June 2026
Adjective
-
Mercury’s clash with Neptune begs you to hold off on signing on the dotted line.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
3 June 2026
-
It’s liberally dotted with the designer’s personal collection of art and antiques, but still manages to feel pared-back—as if a Scandinavian fairy came down and waved all the potential clutter away.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
They can also be folded into batters for cookies, baked oatmeal, or quick breads like banana bread—or, for a pretty garnish, sprinkled on top just before baking.—
Kirsten Nunez,
Martha Stewart,
31 May 2026
-
And this time there were a few defensive mistakes sprinkled in, as well.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
30 May 2026
Adjective
-
Think massive suites inside the mansion with four-poster beds, marbled bathrooms, and sitting rooms with views across the lawn.—
Harriet Marsden,
TheWeek,
2 June 2026
-
Some versions lean into chrome accents and creative marbled effects, while others take a more literal approach inspired by the fruity drink itself.—
Daisy Maldonado,
InStyle,
30 May 2026
Adjective
-
The speckled omnivores can weigh upwards of 10 pounds, largely thanks to a diet that regularly includes eggs, small animals, fruits, and vegetables.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
3 June 2026
-
Toad Lily Toad lily (Tricyrtis hirta) is another standout choice for the shady spots in your garden, with purple and white speckled blooms that are sure to catch eyes in late summer and fall.—
Nishaa Sharma,
The Spruce,
27 May 2026
Verb
-
Not every paramilitary fighter is stained by the corruption of the Shia elite or implicated in spilling innocent blood in recent years.—
Nabil Salih,
Time,
26 May 2026
-
Nobody can resist a saucy, savory sloppy joe, but you're bound to leave a sloppy joe meal with at least one article of clothing stained.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
22 May 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
-
Occasional white patches flecked the landscape, alkali deposits where even prairie grass and scrub cottonwood refused to grow.—
Eric Moskowitz,
The Atlantic,
31 May 2026
-
Dishes of shepherd’s pie blanketed in smooth, buttery mashed potatoes flecked with cheddar cheese.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mottled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mottled. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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