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splotch

splotch

3 4.8
A large uneven mark of color or dirt on a surface
  • noun
  • /splɑtʃ/
translation icon : mancha
  • "I like it," Dorothy said, stepping back to stare at the blue splotch.
  • a red splotch
  • a big splotch
  • a blue splotch

I was inspecting every day and waiting to see the purple splotch and I found a spot on my leg.

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Examples

  • The left side is shades of green with patches of yellow and a splotch of red.

    Blog text (24)
  • The egg was marked by a large yellowish splotch in the shape of a dragon backwinging to land, talons outstretched to grasp rock.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • A white splotch appeared in the dark.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • The orange splotch that was his cat was moving.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • Now for some shine because right now it's just a splotch of color.

  • The woman finished covering the splotch and stood back.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • That's a big, red splotch at the belt and over the heart of the plate.

    Blog text (1)
  • A crimson splotch discolored the side of his face like a massive sunburn in the shape of a handprint.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • The Murphys' dented brown sedan was gone from the driveway, leaving behind a long, oily splotch.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • There was a bright splotch of blood on the towel, as distinct as a stain on a carpet.

Synonyms

mark
vssplotch
468 1.0

A visible line, spot, scratch, or stain on a surface

is more specific, meaning a large irregular colored or dirty spot
stain
vssplotch
224 1.4

A mark that makes something a different color and is hard to remove

is similar but does not focus on being hard to remove
smudge
vssplotch
30 1.9

A dirty mark on something that makes it look untidy

is similar but does not emphasize untidiness
smear
vssplotch
14 4.1

A messy mark left on a surface by a substance

is similar but is a single spot rather than a spread mark
blotch
vssplotch
4 3.9

A large irregular spot on skin or another surface that is a different color

is broader, covering marks of color or dirt rather than only discoloration
inkblot
vssplotch
3 6.3

A spot of ink with an irregular shape often used in tests

is the same shape but used generally rather than mainly for testing
splodge
vssplotch
  • UK
7.7

A large messy spot of paint, mud, or ink

is similar but does not imply the mark was made by accident
blotch of ink
vssplotch
3.5

A dark patch of ink from a spill or a smudge

is similar but applies to any color or dirt rather than only ink
smirch
vssplotch
  • Archaic
9.8

A dirty mark that spoils the look of clothing or fabric

is similar but refers to large irregular marks rather than only spoilage

Antonyms

1.0

Free from dirt or harmful things

41 2.5

Completely clean with no stains or dirt

How Big

stain
224 1.4
splotch
3 4.8
blot
8 2.7
spot
297 1.0
speck
66 1.3

Surface Forms

splotch singular
splotches plural

Morphology

splotch = spot + blotch (transparent) = spot + blotch

The word appears to be a blend of 'spot' and 'blotch', and the meaning 'an irregular mark' follows directly from those components.

Etymology

Splotch can be remembered as a mix of spot and splash or splat, giving the image of a 'messy mark' of color or dirt, which is exactly what a splotch is.