1
as in sporadic
lacking in steadiness or regularity of occurrence
only spotty business failures marred the economic boom
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dotted
marked with spots
Dalmatians are spotty dogs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 spotty
Traditional Wi-Fi sometimes struggles in these environments, leading to spotty performance and frustration.
—
Michael De Nil, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
After running off a 12-match undefeated streak earlier in the season, Bournemouth's form has been spotty, with two wins, three losses, and two draws over their last seven matches, including a 2-2 draw at Tottenham on March 9th.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
Quadrantids, 1st meteor shower of 2025, expected to peak tonight: How to watch
Visibility will be spotty in some parts of the U.S., forecasts show.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 5 May 2025
But their draft track record has been spotty in recent years — some very good (Wilkins, Robert Hunt, Andrew Van Ginkel, DeVon Achane, Jevon Holland, etc.) and some not very good (Noah Igbinoghene, Channing Tindall, Liam Eichenberg, Cam Smith, etc).
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spotty
Michael De Nil, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
After running off a 12-match undefeated streak earlier in the season, Bournemouth's form has been spotty, with two wins, three losses, and two draws over their last seven matches, including a 2-2 draw at Tottenham on March 9th.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
Quadrantids, 1st meteor shower of 2025, expected to peak tonight: How to watch
Visibility will be spotty in some parts of the U.S., forecasts show.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 5 May 2025
But their draft track record has been spotty in recent years — some very good (Wilkins, Robert Hunt, Andrew Van Ginkel, DeVon Achane, Jevon Holland, etc.) and some not very good (Noah Igbinoghene, Channing Tindall, Liam Eichenberg, Cam Smith, etc).
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spotty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spotty
Adjective
-
And while sporadic outbreaks have occurred since 2000, recent case counts are nothing compared with the 27,000 cases reported in 1990 or the 450,000 cases reported in 1964.—
Joe Murphy,
NBC news,
8 May 2025
-
Since then, his sporadic public appearances have only fueled more discussion online about his well being.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The animators at Blur Studio employ a photo-realistic quality to their art, shading the characters in dramatic shadows and inserting intermittent patches of concentrated color that grab your visual attention and slingshot you through the rocketing narrative. 4.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
17 May 2025
-
Please talk with your healthcare provider before trying 4:3 intermittent fasting.—
Brittany Lubeck,
Verywell Health,
15 May 2025
Adjective
-
Others that have a small selling history and only a handful of items for sale at a time tend to be occasional sellers and wardrobe clearers.—
Benjamin Voyer,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
-
The audience is present in a politely distant but receptive way with shots from the back of their heads and an occasional darkened full-theater shot.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
23 May 2025
Adjective
-
Similarly, erratic rainfall patterns in India are threatening crop consistency and farmer livelihoods.—
Dianne Plummer,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
-
Minnesota is tough as hell, but the defensive pressure the Thunder bring on every possession will be too much for a Timberwolves offense that can be erratic at times.—
The Athletic NBA Staff,
New York Times,
20 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spotty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spotty. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share