variegated 1 of 2

adjective

ˈver-ē-ə-ˌgā-təd How to pronounce variegated (audio)
Definition of variegatednext
1
as in colored
marked by a variety of usually vivid colors the variegated costumes of the dancers in the nightclub

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dotted
marked with spots a variety of variegated tulip that is highly prized by gardeners

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

variegated

2 of 2

verb

past tense of variegate
as in mottled

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 variegated
Adjective
There’s also a variegated variety. — Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 20 Dec. 2025 For variegated types, that’s actually the preferred way, since rooted cuttings often send up new shoots that are just plain green. — Margaret Roach, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for variegated
Recent Examples of Synonyms for variegated
  1. colored
  2. dotted
  3. mottled
  4. colorful
  5. speckled
  6. striped
  7. varied
  8. flecked
Adjective
  • Pay attention to ordinary pleasures, like a warm bed on a cold night, a good cup of coffee, or a brightly colored bird outside the window.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Oyster shells—colored brown, gray, or white externally—have the roughest texture of the three bivalves.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of colored
Adjective
  • For an easy finishing touch, toss a dotted floral throw pillow onto your sofa or bed to bring in warmer tones and cozier textures.
    — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The dotted centers of the doodle-looking flowers were instead clusters of spotlights that could point in different directions.
    — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of dotted
Verb
  • The mosquito, mottled in neon pink and purple, can be seen on a nearby computer screen.
    — Ari Daniel, NPR, 11 June 2026
  • The sides may be mottled with brown blotches.
    — Ken Perrotte, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026
Definition of mottled
Adjective
  • Portuguese touches are incorporated here too; the blanket on the bed comes from Burel and is made using wool from Serra de Estrela sheep into colorful, contemporary designs.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
  • But the city of Smyrna is trying to change that, turning some of those refrigerator-sized metal cabinets into colorful works of public art.
    — Brian Unger, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of colorful
Adjective
  • In reality, EcoBirdy’s signature speckled finish is made from recycled plastic toys—a fitting second life for a table designed to be covered in them.
    — Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 31 July 2026
  • Anglers often congregate at Eagle Point Fishing Camp, where the bay’s crosscurrents attract redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and more.
    — Gabi De la Rosa, Southern Living, 29 July 2026
Definition of speckled
Verb
  • For more of our favorite reversible quilts, shop floral, striped, and solid styles below at up to 22% off.
    — Caley Sturgill, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Lively, 38, wore an oversized blue-and-white striped button-down shirt and jeans, accessorizing with a pair of blue heels and a small magenta suede bag by the luxury French retailer.
    — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026
Definition of striped
Adjective
  • The varied multi-pool complex with a firepit anchors the property with appealing amenities for every age.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Its 1,300-plus acres encompass hardwood forests, native grasslands, mature pecan groves, and seven miles of trails that wind through the varied terrain.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of varied
Verb
  • Family, friends and neighbors filled the frames with dancing and dominoes; their apartments painted in shades of mint, butter yellow and palomino pink, flecked with a patina cultivated by humidity and time.
    — Suzy Exposito, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2026
  • Teal is coming out on top, with its mesmerizing mix of sea-blue and green undertones, as well as flamingo pinks flecked with iridescent shimmer particles.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 18 July 2026
Definition of flecked

Browse Nearby Words

variegate
variegated
variegates
See all Nearby Words

Podcast

Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP

Cite this Entry

“Variegated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/variegated. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on variegated

Nglish: Translation of variegated for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of prowess

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 21

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
alt-684346df967d5
Add A Letter Quiz Pick the letter that goes in the same spot in fou...
See All