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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spotty
Traditional Wi-Fi sometimes struggles in these environments, leading to spotty performance and frustration.
—
Michael De Nil, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
After running off a 12-match undefeated streak earlier in the season, Bournemouth's form has been spotty, with two wins, three losses, and two draws over their last seven matches, including a 2-2 draw at Tottenham on March 9th.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
Quadrantids, 1st meteor shower of 2025, expected to peak tonight: How to watch
Visibility will be spotty in some parts of the U.S., forecasts show.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 5 May 2025
But their draft track record has been spotty in recent years — some very good (Wilkins, Robert Hunt, Andrew Van Ginkel, DeVon Achane, Jevon Holland, etc.) and some not very good (Noah Igbinoghene, Channing Tindall, Liam Eichenberg, Cam Smith, etc).
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spotty
Michael De Nil, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
After running off a 12-match undefeated streak earlier in the season, Bournemouth's form has been spotty, with two wins, three losses, and two draws over their last seven matches, including a 2-2 draw at Tottenham on March 9th.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
Quadrantids, 1st meteor shower of 2025, expected to peak tonight: How to watch
Visibility will be spotty in some parts of the U.S., forecasts show.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 5 May 2025
But their draft track record has been spotty in recent years — some very good (Wilkins, Robert Hunt, Andrew Van Ginkel, DeVon Achane, Jevon Holland, etc.) and some not very good (Noah Igbinoghene, Channing Tindall, Liam Eichenberg, Cam Smith, etc).
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spotty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spotty
Adjective
-
Unfortunately, those days are more sporadic and like Hernandez, resembles little to the player who dragged Milan over the line three years ago to steal an unlikely league title.—
Emmet Gates,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
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Those moments have grown more sporadic in recent months, with Watkins no longer looked to as Villa’s key source of goals.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
12 May 2025
Adjective
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Residents lack running water, use 5-gallon buckets as toilets and must contend with intermittent electricity and deteriorating homes that expose them to the region’s fierce weather.—
Emily Schwing,
ProPublica,
29 May 2025
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Holmgren had to take intermittent breaks from the sport because of growing pains.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
24 May 2025
Adjective
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The only thing that could get between attendees and their snacks was the occasional free beer or run-in with a mascot.—
Nicholas Florko,
The Atlantic,
23 May 2025
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The audience is present in a politely distant but receptive way with shots from the back of their heads and an occasional darkened full-theater shot.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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Similarly, erratic rainfall patterns in India are threatening crop consistency and farmer livelihoods.—
Dianne Plummer,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
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Minnesota is tough as hell, but the defensive pressure the Thunder bring on every possession will be too much for a Timberwolves offense that can be erratic at times.—
The Athletic NBA Staff,
New York Times,
20 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spotty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spotty. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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