spotty

adjective

ˈspä-tē How to pronounce spotty (audio)
Definition of spottynext
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

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 Over a dozen have enacted bans on kratom, 7-OH, or both, though enforcement is spotty. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 5 Oct. 2026 Overall, responses were slow, appropriate use of personal protective equipment was spotty, and only 60 percent of facilities passed the basics of the test—an overall failing grade. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 2 Oct. 2026 But an incentive is not a guardrail, and voluntary output pledges have a spotty track record. — Andrew McGowan, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026 Polling in the 2022 midterms was more spotty than spectacular. — W. Joseph Campbell, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spotty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spotty
  1. sporadic
  2. dotted
  3. intermittent
  4. colored
  5. occasional
  6. erratic
Adjective
  • In the absence of regular data, analysts and activists interested in immigration trends have relied on information obtained through lawsuits or limited and sporadic information released by federal agencies to track deportation data.
    — Rebecca Santana, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Only some regional operators have continued sporadic services, generally using smaller feeder vessels.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of sporadic
Adjective
  • The duo worked with curves, sequins and dotted effects to suggest light on water, and drew on Impressionist color contrasts.
    — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Visual cues are both stripped down and strangely compelling, like the dotted line that runs from Nancy’s eyes to indicate her gaze.
    — Air Mail, Air Mail, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of dotted
Adjective
  • People went through the admission and security checkpoints without issues, and the event’s early evening acts enjoyed mostly dry stages with light, intermittent rain.
    — Isabel Rivera, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Ohtani has been playing with a bad knee and biceps for three months, and the Dodgers already have tried intermittent rest.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of intermittent
Adjective
  • There is a wall with removable dashboard panels across the color spectrum and a couple of miniature models of the cab with tiny, colored panels to help customers decide on the details.
    — Eric Bangeman, ArsTechnica, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Finance Buzz named Dollar Tree’s solid colored plastic partyware as one of its best dupes for more expensive items.
    — Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of colored
Adjective
  • With the Patriots and Bills accounting for four games on the schedule, the Jets can’t keep treating divisional victories as occasional breakthroughs.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026
  • For most of human history, our Sun’s occasional tantrums have been of little concern to those of us living on Earth’s surface.
    — Mike McRae October 15, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of occasional
Adjective
  • Multiple companies now offer products that promise to spot the difference, with often contradictory, biased or erratic results.
    — T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The 2018 tailspin had followed a massive momentum crescendo and reversal several months earlier, which gave way to an erratic tape that couldn't absorb what seemed at the time relatively unthreatening Federal Reserve tightening actions.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of erratic

Browse Nearby Words

spotting
spotty
spousal
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Cite this Entry

“Spotty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spotty. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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