mottled 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of mottlednext
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

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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

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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
Common warning signs of sepsis can include high fever, confusion, rapid breathing, extreme weakness, low blood pressure, fast heart rate and bluish or mottled skin, per the CDC. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 5 June 2026 The paint is deftly mottled but its handling lacks the prowess of her later work (see, for example, Being Beamed, 1984, a fantasia of extraterrestrial teleportation in which the watercolor is sumptuous but perfectly controlled). — Jeremy Lybarger, Artforum, 2 June 2026
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 mottled
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mottled
  1. colored
  2. dotted
  3. sprinkled
  4. marbled
  5. speckled
  6. stained
  7. blotched
  8. flecked
Adjective
  • Rust-colored brick buildings, quiet neighborhoods, and remnants of mills and factories speak to the region’s rich industrial history.
    — Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and seek shade whenever possible.
    — Callie Zanandrie, CBS News, 12 July 2026
Definition of colored
Adjective
  • But what is clear is that challenges remain ahead for Erik Spoelstra’s team even after Giannis Antetokounmpo signs Monday on that dotted line.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 July 2026
  • The dotted floral design adds a subtle pattern without feeling too bold, and matching shams are available to complete the look.
    — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
Definition of dotted
Verb
  • Plant food is then sprinkled onto the root ball and the surrounding soil.
    — Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 2 July 2026
  • Sculptures and paintings by local artists are sprinkled throughout the 18 rooms, which are swathed in pastel shades like apricot and mint, reminiscent of the artwork and architecture in Emirdag’s other home in the South of France.
    — Liam Hess, Vogue, 1 July 2026
Definition of sprinkled
Adjective
  • Semi-sheer, marbled accent nails look like they’ve been stained with blackberry juice.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 29 June 2026
  • In January, the health secretary rolled out the new food pyramid—with a marbled rib eye in the pole position.
    — David Merritt Johns, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026
Definition of marbled
Adjective
  • From speckled bowls to crisp white trays, these pieces are both durable and endlessly versatile.
    — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2026
  • Some speckled quartz counters mix in gold or silver sparkles for an effect that catches the light.
    — Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 30 June 2026
Definition of speckled
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
  • Find seven frosted glass nail ideas that range from Popsicle-stained to iced matcha hues, ahead.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 6 July 2026
Definition of stained
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
Definition of blotched
Verb
  • Around us were rolling hills flecked with houses, dappled by the sun shining through the clouds.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 June 2026
  • Open the door to streets lined with trees and flecked with benches, where the bell of the light rail dings its warning as cyclists zip by on narrow roads.
    — Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 10 June 2026
Definition of flecked

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Cite this Entry

“Mottled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mottled. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of mottled for Spanish Speakers

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