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 While this might seem obvious, having your entertainment predownloaded (rather than trying to access it on spotty in-flight Wi-Fi) can make a big difference on a long journey. — Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 23 July 2026 At most, parts of the Boise area could experience spotty downpours with a quarter-inch to a half-inch of rainfall, according to Les Colins, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Boise office. — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 22 July 2026 But implementation has been spotty, forcing women to seek illicit procedures. — Monika Pronczuk, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026 Despite spotty command and tons of early traffic on the bases, Gray held the Tampa Bay Rays at bay and helped deliver the Red Sox their 13th straight win. — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 19 July 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
  • Through sporadic radio contact, engineers discovered a problem with some of the spacecraft’s cold gas thrusters used for finer attitude control.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2026
  • There is little data on the extent of the fraud cases, because reporting is so sporadic and scattered across dozens of agencies.
    — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of sporadic
Adjective
  • On one of the surviving Ottoman maps of Athens, it’s indicated by a dotted line, a marking that also indicated what is believed to have been a plan of underground tunnels below the citadel.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 July 2026
  • The United Kingdom’s queen consort wore a long-sleeve midi dress in black and white with a geometric, dotted pattern throughout the fabric.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 16 July 2026
Definition of dotted
Adjective
  • The Chiefs worked out in light intermittent rain but cooler temperatures on Thursday at Missouri Western State University, site of training camp ahead of the NFL’s 2026 season.
    — Emily Curiel, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
  • Like most diet regimens, there are a few people whom the risks of intermittent fasting may outweigh the potential benefits.
    — Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 28 July 2026
Definition of intermittent
Adjective
  • Rows of amber colored pill bottles fill the wall behind a pharmacist who prepares 1,200 medications a day – more than some New York City children’s hospitals.
    — Rachel Hale, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026
  • My test car featured predominantly black seats with contrasting white trim and additional light-colored detailing throughout the cabin.
    — Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of colored
Adjective
  • Today, Armstrong's two-story boyhood home is an occasional stop for visitors of the Armstrong Air and Space Museum in Wapakoneta, even though the house itself isn't open for tours.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Prioritizing water most of the time and enjoying diet or sugar-free soda as an occasional treat can support good health.
    — Lindsey DeSoto, HEALTH, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of occasional
Adjective
  • Following the major season four finale death of Rudy Pankow‘s erratic-yet-lovable JJ Maybank, the crew at the heart of Netflix‘s teen treasure hunt series is setting out on one final adventure to avenge their best friend.
    — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026
  • The thundercloud also produced violent, erratic winds capable of driving the flames in new directions.
    — Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 29 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 6 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spotty

Nglish: Translation of spotty for Spanish Speakers

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