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

Relevance

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
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 The paint is deftly mottled but its handling lacks the prowess of her later work (see, for example, Being Beamed, 1984, a fantasia of extraterrestrial teleportation in which the watercolor is sumptuous but perfectly controlled). — Jeremy Lybarger, Artforum, 2 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
  • White wines might look more yellow, or reds may be brick-colored or brownish.
    — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 20 July 2026
  • The dark-colored wash is a nice, polished touch—even with their relaxed silhouette, and midriff bearing rise.
    — Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 18 July 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
  • Earlier this month, Godwin kicked off the Christian Name Tour, which will run through November and take him coast to coast — with come co-headline appearances with Dylan Gossett sprinkled in during August and September.
    — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 23 July 2026
  • In most cases, the honest answer is a pilot here, a copilot there—AI sprinkled onto processes that were never designed for it.
    — Karthik Kannan, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of sprinkled
Adjective
  • 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
  • Gaga recently reissued the project to celebrate its tenth anniversary, offering it for sale on an opaque pink marbled wax record.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of marbled
Adjective
  • Enamelware is also a must-have, particularly for outdoor hosting—Golden Rabbit’s enamelware is durable and easily stackable, and the bright, speckled designs add so much personality to any table.
    — Alexandra Ditch, Vogue, 20 July 2026
  • Other signs of bed bugs include ink-like speckled stains on fabrics, shed exoskeletons around crevices of beds and furniture and a sweet, musty smell.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026
Definition of speckled
Verb
  • An ultraviolet light revealed the mats and brick flooring of the garage had likely been stained with blood.
    — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026
  • Now—before there is another name, another van, another street stained with blood that didn't have to be spilled.
    — Kica Matos, Time, 17 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
  • 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
  • Around us were rolling hills flecked with houses, dappled by the sun shining through the clouds.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 June 2026
Definition of flecked

Browse Nearby Words

mottle
mottled
mottles
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mottled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mottled. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on mottled

Nglish: Translation of mottled for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of sultry

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
chain-question-mark
Missing Link Quiz July 2026 Five seconds to figure out the word that fits bot...
See All