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
At Taquearte, the split rolls are slathered with refried beans and chorizo, then blanketed in a single layer of mottled cheese. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 Its mottled color looks great over the green leaf as well. — Dr. Matthew Lisy, Hartford Courant, 21 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
  • This 24-ounce stainless steel Owala + Starbucks water bottle features a cream-colored finish with vibrant seasonal accents and a playful pumpkin design.
    — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Dark and colored materials absorb more solar energy and consequently heat up.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of colored
Adjective
  • For an easy finishing touch, toss a dotted floral throw pillow onto your sofa or bed to bring in warmer tones and cozier textures.
    — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The dotted centers of the doodle-looking flowers were instead clusters of spotlights that could point in different directions.
    — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of dotted
Verb
  • Thursday’s off day couldn’t come at a better time, and there are more days off sprinkled throughout the final six weeks of the season.
    — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Quail are sprinkled across it based on elevation and rainfall.
    — Ron Spomer, Outdoor Life, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of sprinkled
Adjective
  • The marbled jean features wild horses surrounded by watercolor wind, rendered beautifully across a trouser-like fit that's cut close to the hips before flowing outward from the body to the floor.
    — Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • This one features a dusty green base topped with white and brown veining for a marbled effect.
    — Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 16 Aug. 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
  • After his death, Bob’s became the de facto location for fans needing to pay homage to the beloved director, piled high with tributes of cigarettes, cans of Coke, donuts, slices of pie and tear-stained letters of gratitude.
    — Amanda Karkoutly, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • This means clearing out old backpacks and lunch boxes that are broken, stained, or no longer useful.
    — Sherri Gordon, Parents, 17 Aug. 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 creamy consistency gives the pie a dreamy texture, with little pops of crunch from the passionfruit seeds flecked throughout the custard.
    — The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026
  • 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
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 27 Aug. 2026.

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