1
as in colored
having blotches of two or more colors
a mottled complexion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
Miles Socha, Footwear News, 18 Nov. 2025
Inside the old asylum, plaster peeled from mottled walls and holes gaped in the ceiling.
—Jen Rose Smith, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
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
Museum-caliber furniture and objects, major artworks from François Pinault’s personal collection, yards of colorful marble and bespoke, mottled carpeting add up to a sumptuous environment reminiscent of the home of a serious collector — and fiercely chic fashion plate.
—Miles Socha, Footwear News, 18 Nov. 2025
Inside the old asylum, plaster peeled from mottled walls and holes gaped in the ceiling.
—Jen Rose Smith, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
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
-
Meanwhile her partner, Broderick went the traditional route with a black suit, white button-up shirt, and a light-colored tie.—
Elle Meier,
InStyle,
16 Feb. 2026
-
The luxury hotel chain creative director, 47, wore a dark-colored peacoat, grey sweater and slacks.—
David Matthews,
New York Daily News,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
As each participant started getting comfortable with the machine sewing a maze on paper, going around dotted lines, both mother and daughter got into the flow.—
Steve Sadin,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Feb. 2026
-
Pink is then used for the leather mustache and an insole with a dotted spiral pattern.—
Ian Servantes,
Footwear News,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
These options are also useful for other forms of medication, including powders that may need to be sprinkled within the pocket and then closed off.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
-
These people wore sackcloth, were sprinkled with ashes and remained apart until they were reconciled with the Christian community.—
Chris Sims,
Louisville Courier Journal,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
On top of each colored rectangle, a swirling, chalky pigment appears in marbled patterns, giving an organic effect.—
Benjamin Lima,
Dallas Morning News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Premade strawberry glaze helps quickly achieve a marbled look for an elegant presentation.—
Nellah Bailey McGough,
Southern Living,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Variegation takes on many forms, from speckled or spotted foliage to dramatic striping.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The actress wore a long-sleeve top with puffy sleeves rolled to the elbows and contrasting fabric between black and a speckled camel tone.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
However, stuffing stinky or stained items away for months is a surefire way to permanently damage them.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Moldy plastic food containers can be reused after proper cleaning unless they are cracked, pitted, or heavily stained by mold.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
19 Feb. 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
-
Rounds of roasted purple sweet potatoes arrive mounded with a mixture of salsa macha and butter, and liberally flecked with chives.—
Bill Addison,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Outside, a man wearing a leather biker vest bearing the insignia of the Latin American Motorcycle Association, his blond beard flecked with ice crystals, directed a line of cars through the snow.—
Adam Serwer,
The Atlantic,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mottled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mottled. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
