1
as in sporadic
lacking in steadiness or regularity of occurrence
only spotty business failures marred the economic boom
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dotted
marked with spots
Dalmatians are spotty dogs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spotty
There were also many not-so-charming things (veneer wood, spotty landscaping).
—
Elise Taylor, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2025
Post-listing performance has been spotty.
—Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2025
The spotty quality of the voice work matches the unevenness of the animation from Toronto’s Guru Studios.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
Public data before then is spotty, but there was a further £3m dating back to 1979-80.
—Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spotty
Elise Taylor, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2025
Post-listing performance has been spotty.
—Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2025
The spotty quality of the voice work matches the unevenness of the animation from Toronto’s Guru Studios.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
Public data before then is spotty, but there was a further £3m dating back to 1979-80.
—Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spotty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spotty
Adjective
-
These factions do not hold stable territory, but their sporadic resistance — from raids to armed standoffs — signals the first cracks in Hamas’s grip.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Freeze’s scheme, however, has leaned too heavily on sporadic big plays and not enough on sustained drives — a formula that has left Auburn struggling in late-game situations.—
Zach Sweet,
Kansas City Star,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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This reversible quilt has a hint of floral romance on one side and a more minimalist dotted print on the other.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
9 Oct. 2025
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Examples include dotted prints, the flat-thong sandal and the color yellow.—
Chloe Veltman,
NPR,
4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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So, too, the hold Catholicism has on him, still (with intermittent lapses).—
Bill Goodykoontz,
AZCentral.com,
14 Oct. 2025
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Sheriff’s officials said in a Tuesday evening Facebook post that there is a 75% chance of more rain Wednesday, including mostly intermittent heavy thunderstorms with the potential for winds of up to 50 mph and quarter-inch hail.—
Lauren Penington,
Denver Post,
14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Hamas says at least 27 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces over the last week; Israeli officials said troops fired to prevent incursions across the yellow line, which is now being marked with colored stanchions as a clearer warning.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
19 Oct. 2025
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Demi Moore’s hip length-plus, raven-colored hair is a signature.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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While some may view it as extravagant goods and high-end services, others see it as occasional splurges, unique experiences and good health.—
Maddie McGay,
USA Today,
18 Oct. 2025
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Daily and nightly tours now offer visitors its complex history, along with an occasional paranormal scare.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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His ball location has been erratic, and his decision-making still isn’t there.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
19 Oct. 2025
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Another investigation is looking into Tesla's limited Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, where passengers reported erratic driving and speeding — even with human safety drivers onboard.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
18 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spotty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spotty. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
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