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 brightly colored walls in the home are filled with the Krauses’ collection, including works by Tacita Dean, Raymond Saunders, Rachel Harrison, Richard Tuttle, Rudolf Stingel, and Franz Ackermann, the latter a commission.
    — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Bold green pelmets and stone inserts are meant to recall emeralds and colored gemstones.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 9 Nov. 2026
Definition of colored
Adjective
  • But Franklyn said Cooper wanted to complete the paperwork quickly — so Franklyn signed on the dotted line.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 10 Nov. 2026
  • 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
Definition of dotted
Verb
  • One late-October morning, in a large prep space hidden from view of the dining room, Hope the Mission senior director of food services Jason Moniz sprinkled salt onto oversized peanut butter cookies.
    — Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
  • With its tender texture, it can be used as a base for salads, added to pasta, sprinkled over top of a pizza, or turned into pesto.
    — Molly Allen, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of sprinkled
Adjective
  • However, sometimes chuck and top sirloin are used, offering a richer, more flavorful, marbled cut.
    — Natalia Vela, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2026
  • 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
Definition of marbled
Adjective
  • The large blooms feature pink and white speckled throats and are highly attractive to hummingbirds.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of speckled
Verb
  • Donning a pink skirt suit and matching pillbox hat stained with fake blood, Fox stepped out as the former First Lady during an event for Urban Decay.
    — Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2026
  • The sculptures were frequently stained with graphite or chalk dust, whose force of presence was comparable to that of cliff or cave, capable of stunning the viewer into silence.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 29 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 12 Nov. 2026.

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