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

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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
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
  • There is a wall with removable dashboard panels across the color spectrum and a couple of miniature models of the cab with tiny, colored panels to help customers decide on the details.
    — Eric Bangeman, ArsTechnica, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Finance Buzz named Dollar Tree’s solid colored plastic partyware as one of its best dupes for more expensive items.
    — Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of colored
Adjective
  • The duo worked with curves, sequins and dotted effects to suggest light on water, and drew on Impressionist color contrasts.
    — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Visual cues are both stripped down and strangely compelling, like the dotted line that runs from Nancy’s eyes to indicate her gaze.
    — Air Mail, Air Mail, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of dotted
Verb
  • There’s Ellipse, a lineup of sculptural gold links sprinkled with diamond pavé; Modern Pavé, with its playful arrangements of diamonds; and SIX by Royal Asscher, an exclusive collection with the legendary Dutch diamond-cutting house.
    — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The Fort Worth list indicates restaurants mostly downtown, the Shops at Clearfork and a few sprinkled in the Stockyards.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of sprinkled
Adjective
  • These French-style pins come in a marbled cardboard case that’s perfect for gifting.
    — Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Earthy browns and creamy neutrals melt into one another, while a luminous cat-eye finish lends the marbled design a little extra shine.
    — Amanda Le, InStyle, 16 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
  • Bookshelves are crammed with novels and almanacs, the wood boards of the ceilings stained dark in delicious contrast to the clean white walls and creamy linen furnishings.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The yellow color from the fenbendazole stained his white goatee.
    — Trisha Thadani Kirsten Potter Tanya Pérez Devin Murphy, New York Times, 4 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
  • The pillowy dough is flecked with cinnamon and crowded with tender chunks of apple.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Mikey Madison’s pink- and purple-flecked tinsel became one of the defining beauty details of Ani in 2024’s Anora, while Zara Larsson has made shimmering, maximalist hair a fixture of her Midnight Sun era.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of flecked

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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 22 Oct. 2026.

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