variegating

Making colors differ

Variegating is making something varied in appearance, especially by adding different colors or patterns.

Plants variegate naturally when their leaves develop streaks or patches of different colors: The virus was actually variegating the tulips, creating their prized streaks.

The word applies to any process of introducing variety or diversity into something uniform.

coloring

multicolor

Having multiple hues

rainbowRefracted light arc
spectrumContinuous range of values
prismaticLight-dispersing, multicolored

kaleidoscope · iridescent · polychromatic · chromatic · dappled · mottled · streaked · marbled · tinted · hued

nature

camouflage

Concealment through visual blending

plumageBird's complete feather coat
foliagePlant's leafy covering
autumnPost-summer cooling period

butterfly · chameleon · tiger · zebra · leopard · tabby · calico · peacock · coral · agate

marking

speckle

Small spot of color

fleckMinute spot or particle
dotSmall circular mark
spotMark or location

stipple · dapple · patch · speck · splotch · mottle · freckle · blotch · streak · stripe

diversifying

diversity

State of varied elements

differentiateIdentify differences between things
diversifyExpand into new areas
assortmentMixed collection of things

multiplicity · heterogeneity · mix · blend · intermingle · intersperse · alternate · contrast · enliven · enrich

patterning

motif

Recurring thematic element

designPurposeful creative planning
textureSurface tactile quality
printTransfer text to paper

weave · stripe · checkered · plaid · paisley · geometric · floral · abstract · brocade · damask

Opposites

visual diversity

variegatinghomogenizing

Making consistent throughout

standardizing · blanching · bleaching · decolorizing · fading

uniformity of composition

variegatinghomogenizing

Making consistent throughout

uniformizing · standardizing · regularizing · equalizing · normalizing

Family

variegation, variegations

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Rated G