mottle 1 of 2

as in blotch
a small area that is different (as in color) from the main part canvases covered with streaks and mottles

Synonyms & Similar Words

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mottle

2 of 2

verb

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 mottle
Noun
As branching coral look-alikes, the cuttlefish splayed out their arms and displayed dark mottles to blend in with staghorn coral. Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Mar. 2025 Remember to continue your daily sunscreen use to stave off more mottle. Katie Becker, Harper's BAZAAR, 5 Oct. 2015
Verb
These spots stand out against dark brown backgrounds, mottling their typically beige or gray bodies. Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 16 Dec. 2024 Some skeptics of adding fluoride to public water are worried about dental fluorosis, which is caused by overexposure to fluoride and can mottle teeth. Stephanie Innes, The Arizona Republic, 16 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for mottle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mottle
Noun
  • Photos depict a heartbreaking sight, with Hector’s rib cage protruding through his weakened body as red blotches line his ivory and brown coat.
    TJ Macias, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The butterflies themselves are nearly gone, but the ink has left three blotches down her arm.
    Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Capitals are a veteran team with youth sprinkled through the lineup.
    Arpon Basu, New York Times, 1 May 2025
  • Held at the Salle Pleyel, which hosts splashy awards shows such as the César awards, Hermès celebrated its pole position with an opening xylophone performer, followed by an eclectic series of films sprinkled throughout the presentation.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This nude lipstick shade has just a touch of warmth to it, plus gold flecks that catch the light for fuller-looking lips.
    Claire Sullivan, Footwear News, 6 May 2025
  • For all his flaws, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s willingness to speak openly about autism as a public health concern led some of us to find flecks of hope in his arrival as secretary of health and human services.
    Mark Kendall, Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Facing Ramírez to start the seventh, López dotted a fastball down and in to the slugger, only for it to be called a ball by plate umpire Malachi Moore.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 1 May 2025
  • Every April, Earth Day arrives in full color – parks buzzing with volunteers, corporate campuses dotted with tree-planting events, and social feeds flooded with stunning shots of mountains, oceans, and forests.
    Namita Gupta-Hehl, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Such a rough patch at Barcelona, where Miami’s elite quartet — and Mascherano — plied their trade, would have likely been catastrophic.
    Martin Rogers, New York Times, 12 May 2025
  • Soon after release, one more major lighting feature, Ray Reconstruction, will be added in a post-launch patch.
    Matthew Buzzi, PC Magazine, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • Water can stain or fade many silk fabrics, leaving a permanent mark if it isn't taken care of quickly.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 10 May 2025
  • Tuesday’s attack – during which men were singled out and gunned down from close range, according to survivors’ testimony – was the latest in a list of bloody incidents to stain the region.
    Aishwarya S Iyer, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Now it’s just popped up on the market again for a speck under $11.6 million, with Shana Rohde-Lynch of Compass holding the listing.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 2 May 2025
  • These insects appear in early spring as tiny dark specks.
    Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Despite peppering Providence goaltender Michael DiPietro with 40 shots while surrendering just 19, the Checkers fell 3-2 in Game 3 of their AHL Atlantic Division semifinal series.
    Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2025
  • Khosrowshahi defended the policy changes against feisty employees who peppered him with questions and criticism at the company meeting and on Uber’s internal forum, according to audio and correspondence obtained by CNBC.
    Jennifer Elias, CNBC, 6 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mottle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mottle. Accessed 16 May. 2025.

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