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
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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
-
In the Menil work, the central character is an artist brandishing a bouquet of colored pencils, surrounded by a seraphic tumble of monochrome extras that are her handiwork.—
Jeremy Lybarger,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
-
The ones still managing to a colored dashboard will be answering for it.—
Yonesy Nunez,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Adjective
-
Barça fancy the idea of signing Silva according to Mundo Deportivo, and the Portuguese international is eager to sign on the dotted line to don Blaugrana.—
Tom Sanderson,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
-
If the ratio breaks higher, through the black dotted down trendline, the question of which sector has the advantage heading into the back half of 2026 will finally be answered — technology.—
Todd Gordon,
CNBC,
26 May 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
-
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
-
This pair featured a silver Swoosh and a subtle speckled shimmer throughout.—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
26 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
-
Dishes of shepherd’s pie blanketed in smooth, buttery mashed potatoes flecked with cheddar cheese.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
4 May 2026
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Mottled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mottled. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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