as in sprinkling
to mark with small spots especially unevenly
old papers that were mottled by mold
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mottling
Verb
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Neutralize Trash Can Odors Cut odors from the kitchen trash by periodically sprinkling baking soda in as waste accumulates.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
15 Mar. 2026 -
For instance, sprinkling cinnamon around entry points while also using a vinegar spray can help create a double barrier against ants attempting to infiltrate your home.—
Alexandra Kelly,
Martha Stewart,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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There are a few options to deal with old brickwork, including cleaning and repairing the brick, painting or staining the brick, or even installing new siding or stucco over the brick.—
Timothy Dale,
The Spruce,
13 Mar. 2026
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Sealing your grout is a great way to prevent further staining and using a steam cleaner or steam mop can help to lift the stains.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Along the route, my father would point in disgust at the large Olympic-torch flames dotting the horizon and rising above the acres of palm trees flanking the highway.—
Noo Saro-Wiwa,
The Dial,
24 Mar. 2026
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Instead, Carillo and Barnes recommend dotting a small amount of concealer on the darkest part of your undereye area and blending it in.—
Annie Blay-Tettey,
Allure,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Even kids who haven’t seen the show will be captivated walking the City Walls and spotting Fort Lovrijenac.—
Lauren Schuster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
23 Mar. 2026
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As one sales agent noted to IndieWire’s Brian Welk last fall, the upside for these companies lies in spotting opportunities before others do.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Two pumps on the back of my hand did the trick, stippling it across my red-speckled cheeks and around my nose.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
21 Dec. 2025
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The yellowing, eventually turning to brown, starts with stippling or tiny dots on the foliage where mites have pierced the leaves’ epidermis with their stylets or sucking mouthparts.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
20 Sep. 2025
Verb
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For many fans — including plenty in the audience with neon green or pink hair — dyeing your own hair at home is part of self-discovery.—
Deborah Sengupta Stith,
Austin American Statesman,
17 Mar. 2026
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As members of the plumbers' union, Local 130, plowed through the Chicago River, dyeing it a glowing green, thousands lined Wacker Drive and the bridges to catch a glimpse of how the process is done.—
Marissa Sulek,
CBS News,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The ballpark’s roof was open, the sun still dappling the downtown Miami skyline beyond left field at the start -- a beautiful tableau.—
Greg Cote
Updated March 27,
Miami Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
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In my mind, that always meant at least a plane ride's worth of travel—me in safari gear, sunlight dappling through the canopy, and swinging vines overhead.—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Southern Living,
22 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Mottling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mottling. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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