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
Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
The food arrived on a mottled brown ceramic plate, its inexact edges forming something between a circle and an octagon.
—Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2026
Ben Taub, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
Shiny and dark evergreen foliage is held aloft on strong, arching stems mottled with purple flecks.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mottled
Adjective
In April, the mottled green and brown leaves of the trout lily, start peering through the forest floor.
—Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
The food arrived on a mottled brown ceramic plate, its inexact edges forming something between a circle and an octagon.
—Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
But Tariq’s body was already cold, and his skin was mottled.
—Ben Taub, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
Shiny and dark evergreen foliage is held aloft on strong, arching stems mottled with purple flecks.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mottled
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mottled
Adjective
-
Nor any pebble clattering down the medieval stones, plinking into the tea- colored water.—
Ellen Bass,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
Disney history fans know that the Rainbow Caverns Mine Train was a former attraction at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, where colored pools and waterfalls could be seen among the cave formations.—
Megan duBois,
Southern Living,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
Similar to the actress’s blouse, this Amazon find has billowy long sleeves, a playful dotted print, and a tie neckline that adds extra fashion flair when poking out from under spring jackets and blazers.—
Mia Huelsbeck,
PEOPLE,
18 Apr. 2026
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Cane-Like Begonias Cane-like begonias, known as angel wings, are known for their glossy, dotted, or hairy foliage.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Roast chickpeas to make a crunchy snack (that can also be sprinkled over salads and grain bowls).—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Today, this custom has evolved into subtler hints of the color, quietly hidden in the bridal look or sprinkled throughout the events of the day.—
Rosie Jarman,
Vogue,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Customers can find ribs, jerky, steaks including marbled ribeye, filet mignon, briskets, roasts, ground beef and tallow.—
Fousia Abdullahi,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 Apr. 2026
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Grilled Steak With Chunky Guacamole Salad This well-marbled, flavorful flat iron steak is marinated in olive oil and taco seasoning, then seared on the stove and served with an easy pico de gallo with chunks of avocado.—
Deputy Food Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Common rattlesnakes in California include the Mojave, northern Pacific, red, sidewinder, speckled and western diamondback rattlesnakes.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2026
-
The leaf shapes vary, including speckled colors.—
Steve Bender,
Southern Living,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Look for bins that are not coated or stained with toxic finishes.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
30 Apr. 2026
-
On TikTok, short videos often show people traveling to Turkey to fix their uneven or stained teeth and transform their smiles.—
K.H. Koehler,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 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
-
Heintzman also devised a hot brown chowder, with a cream and broth base made to resemble the sandwich’s sauce, flecked with potatoes, corn, turkey, bacon, and tomatoes.—
Rich Warren,
Saveur,
29 Apr. 2026
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The biscuits, flecked with frilly sprigs of dill, are pulled together with sour cream, giving them tenderness and a mild tang.—
Jesse Szewczyk,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
23 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mottled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mottled. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
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