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

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
Both vessels were streaked with rust and showed mottled paint along the waterlines. — USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 The first, inspired by vintage luxury, is a mottled gold frame with bead wood. — Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 25 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
  1. colored
  2. dotted
  3. sprinkled
  4. marbled
  5. speckled
  6. stained
  7. blotched
  8. flecked
Adjective
  • The nearly 10-foot-tall image of Jesus suspended from the cross was shattered into hundreds of colored pieces, which scattered on the ground inside as well as outside the building.
    — Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Black cat bias is a very real phenomenon where cats with black coats are viewed more negatively, adopted less often, and euthanized more than lighter colored cats, according to the American Animal Hospital Association.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of colored
Adjective
  • Okongwu caught an inbound pass just outside the arc, dribbled in, and pulled up at the dotted line.
    — Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • This will help make the operations more effective and efficient…but local marketing teams, particularly in larger FTA markets will continue to have a dotted line relationship into the country GM/MD and be part of their leadership team.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of dotted
Verb
  • Chandeliers hang above the water, while multiple seating and dining areas are sprinkled about the marble-floored space.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Give me the candy candy and then some Reese and mini Hershey peanut chocolate sprinkled in.
    — Jake Ciely, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of sprinkled
Adjective
  • In a sea of white-marbled wellness spaces, Spencer’s Spa in Williamsburg proves good design is integral to relaxation.
    — Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026
  • That loon’s shrill call, this rock’s marbled face, and the walleye wriggling several feet below are what’s at home here; the paddler, just a visitor.
    — Story Hinckley, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of marbled
Adjective
  • Smith hung an oversized Nelson Angled Sphere Bubble Pendant above a custom teak bed with a speckled bouclé headboard and a drapey saffron velvet coverlet for a tranquil effect.
    — Morgan Goldberg, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Another look came in the form of Oxford pumps with a speckled calf-hair finish and red linear detailing.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of speckled
Verb
  • Over time, white towels can become dingy or stained, losing their bright appearance and fluffy texture.
    — Anyssa Roberts, The Spruce, 28 Oct. 2026
  • In the distance was a bronze statue of Louis XIV on a rearing horse in the majestic Place des Victoires, its stone pedestal stained by protesters’ splashes of red paint.
    — Michael Finnegan, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 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
  • Chef Williams Saurina adds his own touches, with novel spins on ceviche, zesty salsas flecked with pumpkin seeds, and aromatic Tikin Xic (sea bass with recado rojo, made from local achiote, wrapped in totomoxtle leaf).
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The pillowy dough is flecked with cinnamon and crowded with tender chunks of apple.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of flecked

Browse Nearby Words

mottle
mottled
mottles
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Cite this Entry

“Mottled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mottled. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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