1
as in colored
having blotches of two or more colors
a mottled complexion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dotted
marked with spots
mottled leather upholstery that isn't supposed to look perfect
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in sprinkled
to mark with small spots especially unevenly
old papers that were mottled by mold
Synonyms & Similar 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 mottled
Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2025
But there’s something dingy and gross, like mottled drifts of old snow, about the overweening influence of Trump’s courtiers and their grubbing relationship with a president so obviously enamored of money and flattery.
—Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2025
Big blue sombrero Monday, November 25, 2024: The James Webb Space Telescope's brand-new image of the Sombrero Galaxy casts this city of stars in a new light — mid-infrared light, to be precise — and reveals clumps of dust in a mottled outer ring.
—Space.com Staff, Space.com, 1 Jan. 2025
Farther in, a sophisticated den lies behind tall wooden doors and features unique wall coverings, a mottled checkerboard pattern in earthy green hues.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for mottled
Adjective
Its body is about 2.2 inches long and covered with mottled bumps, according to the study.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2025
But there’s something dingy and gross, like mottled drifts of old snow, about the overweening influence of Trump’s courtiers and their grubbing relationship with a president so obviously enamored of money and flattery.
—Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2025
Big blue sombrero Monday, November 25, 2024: The James Webb Space Telescope's brand-new image of the Sombrero Galaxy casts this city of stars in a new light — mid-infrared light, to be precise — and reveals clumps of dust in a mottled outer ring.
—Space.com Staff, Space.com, 1 Jan. 2025
Farther in, a sophisticated den lies behind tall wooden doors and features unique wall coverings, a mottled checkerboard pattern in earthy green hues.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for mottled
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mottled
Adjective
-
The tea imparts a sweet flavor that carries right through to the yolk and a sepia tint that lends an antique, marbled look to the white.—
SAVEUR Editors,
Saveur,
15 Jan. 2025
-
Traditional elements mix with unexpected accents, such as a marbled ceiling treatment or modern lighting in Kaehler’s unique and highly livable spaces.—
Dan Howarth,
Architectural Digest,
17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The huge piece was pitted like a Holland cheese and carried on its irregular surface some splotches of green and snuff-yellow where the lichens clung in spotted patterns.—
Frank C. Hibben,
Outdoor Life,
27 Feb. 2025
-
In a bamboo forest of southwestern China, a spotted creature perched on a plant.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
5 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The whole rug needs to get wet or colors in the fiber could migrate and result in a blotched look.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Feb. 2025
-
Its leaves are deciduous and sometimes white-blotched.—
Howard Garrett,
Dallas News,
16 Aug. 2021
Adjective
-
Nicholas Galitzine rocked a very buff physique training to be He-Man, and director Travis Knight showcased many of the colorful heroes and villains, including Jared Leto as the evil Skeletor.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2025
-
The frame’s branches keep it rustic, but the plethora of colorful gerber daisies and ferns at the base add brightness.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Spice up your Super Bowl party with these pinto beans, garnished with savory bacon and spicy poblano peppers.—
Christopher Michel,
Country Living,
2 Feb. 2023
-
Two types of beans (black and pinto) bring the protein count in this healthy enchilada casserole up to 19 grams per serving.—
Katlyn Moncada,
Better Homes & Gardens,
30 Oct. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Mottled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mottled. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share