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 The rules for how to work on dangerous pathogens and which sorts of experiments should be allowed aren’t clear; oversight is spotty. — Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026 Blood may be bright red or dark and spotty, like coffee grounds. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 6 July 2026 Warsh has argued that policymakers have spent too much time trying to predict the future, with a spotty record of doing so. — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 1 July 2026 For years, testing was spotty at best, and doctors often weren’t aware of the syndrome. — Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 29 June 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
  • Consultants test every element of how to get people — often people who pay only sporadic attention to politics — to open a message and then open their wallets.
    — Michelle Cottle, Mercury News, 9 July 2026
  • The only other competitors were the Anglo-French Concorde and the sporadic Soviet Tupolev Tu-144 program.
    — David Szondy July 02, New Atlas, 2 July 2026
Definition of sporadic
Adjective
  • But what is clear is that challenges remain ahead for Erik Spoelstra’s team even after Giannis Antetokounmpo signs Monday on that dotted line.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 July 2026
  • The dotted floral design adds a subtle pattern without feeling too bold, and matching shams are available to complete the look.
    — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
Definition of dotted
Adjective
  • The road will remain open, but travelers should expect delays, including intermittent lane closures in both directions, according to a county news release.
    — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
  • Proponents didn’t view the plan as a cure-all but called it a step toward breaking the cycle of intermittent attention by making civilian protection a year-round mission.
    — Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 6 July 2026
Definition of intermittent
Adjective
  • Rust-colored brick buildings, quiet neighborhoods, and remnants of mills and factories speak to the region’s rich industrial history.
    — Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and seek shade whenever possible.
    — Callie Zanandrie, CBS News, 12 July 2026
Definition of colored
Adjective
  • Lean beef burgers, pulled chicken and the occasional hot dog also fit the plan.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 14, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
  • Under rural Spanish skies, particularly in dark-sky regions away from towns and cities, observers could see 30 to 50 meteors per hour, with occasional bursts producing even more.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 14 July 2026
Definition of occasional
Adjective
  • However, Scaloni’s experienced team has been here and done this before, and while its defense may be erratic, so is England’s.
    — Mark Hodge, NBC news, 15 July 2026
  • The fire, which started Saturday afternoon, was 5% contained as firefighters contended with gusty, erratic winds, dry fuels and difficult terrain.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 14 July 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 16 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spotty

Nglish: Translation of spotty for Spanish Speakers

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