mottled 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of mottlednext
1
as in colored
having blotches of two or more colors a mottled complexion

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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
Spider mites cause yellow mottled leaves and reduced vigor. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 10 June 2026 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
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
  • Rows of amber colored pill bottles fill the wall behind a pharmacist who prepares 1,200 medications a day – more than some New York City children’s hospitals.
    — Rachel Hale, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026
  • My test car featured predominantly black seats with contrasting white trim and additional light-colored detailing throughout the cabin.
    — Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of colored
Adjective
  • On one of the surviving Ottoman maps of Athens, it’s indicated by a dotted line, a marking that also indicated what is believed to have been a plan of underground tunnels below the citadel.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 July 2026
  • The United Kingdom’s queen consort wore a long-sleeve midi dress in black and white with a geometric, dotted pattern throughout the fabric.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 16 July 2026
Definition of dotted
Verb
  • One of the surprises aboard Beyond was the enviable art sprinkled throughout every nook and cranny.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
  • Pici alla carbonara is a creamy-sauced pasta sprinkled with crispy guanciale and Pecorino Romano.
    — Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of sprinkled
Adjective
  • But in comments to The Sacramento Bee, spokespeople for the two companies both said that regardless of how the new ESA interpretation runs out, their timber operations will not destroy marbled murrelet habitat.
    — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026
  • Firmer than rib eye but just as rich and, frankly, more consistently well-marbled than most other cuts, it can be cooked like steak (to medium or medium-rare), or braised to full shreddy-ness.
    — Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 July 2026
Definition of marbled
Adjective
  • In reality, EcoBirdy’s signature speckled finish is made from recycled plastic toys—a fitting second life for a table designed to be covered in them.
    — Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 31 July 2026
  • Anglers often congregate at Eagle Point Fishing Camp, where the bay’s crosscurrents attract redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and more.
    — Gabi De la Rosa, Southern Living, 29 July 2026
Definition of speckled
Verb
  • How To Remove Common Marble Stains Unfortunately, marble can sometimes get stained pretty easily.
    — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 31 July 2026
  • Building facades don't just look weathered and soot-stained, graffiti is scrawled on them and posters are peeling off them.
    — Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 31 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
  • Family, friends and neighbors filled the frames with dancing and dominoes; their apartments painted in shades of mint, butter yellow and palomino pink, flecked with a patina cultivated by humidity and time.
    — Suzy Exposito, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2026
  • Teal is coming out on top, with its mesmerizing mix of sea-blue and green undertones, as well as flamingo pinks flecked with iridescent shimmer particles.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 18 July 2026
Definition of flecked

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mottled
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Cite this Entry

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

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Nglish: Translation of mottled for Spanish Speakers

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