Definition

Adjective: 1. Spread throughout; permeated: Used to describe something that is thoroughly filled or affected by something undesirable or pervasive. 2. Damaged by numerous holes or perforations: Used to describe something that has many holes, often made by bullets, insects, or decay.

Usage and Examples

The adjective "riddled" is almost always followed by the preposition "with" to specify what permeates the subject or what caused the holes.

• The old wooden beam was riddled with termites. (Damaged by numerous holes)
• His argument was riddled with logical fallacies. (Thoroughly permeated by flaws)
• After the battle, the wall was riddled with bullet holes. (Damaged by numerous perforations)
• The administration was riddled with incompetence. (Thoroughly permeated by a negative quality)

Advanced Usage

• "to be riddled with doubt": To be full of uncertainty and hesitation.
  • She was riddled with doubt about her decision.
• "to be riddled with guilt": To be overwhelmed by feelings of guilt.
  • He was riddled with guilt after the accident.

Variants and Related Words

• Riddle (verb): To make many holes in something, as if with a weapon; or to speak in or pose a puzzling question or statement.
  • The machine gun fire riddled the car. (verb - made holes)
  • Can you solve this riddle? (noun - a puzzle)
• Perforated (adj.): Having a hole or series of holes, often made deliberately. (More neutral than "riddled").
• Permeated (adj.): Spread throughout. (Similar to the first meaning but not necessarily negative).

Synonyms

• For "spread throughout": permeated, infused, saturated, filled, plagued.
• For "full of holes": perforated, punctured, honeycombed.

Antonyms

• For "spread throughout": free of, devoid of, lacking in.
• For "full of holes": intact, solid, unblemished.

Notes on Meaning

The two primary meanings are connected by the idea of something being thoroughly penetrated. The first meaning is figurative (penetrated by an abstract thing like corruption or errors), while the second is literal (physically penetrated by objects creating holes). The context always makes the intended meaning clear.

Adjective

1. spread throughout
   • cities riddled with corruption
2. (often followed by `with') damaged throughout by numerous perforations or holes
   • a sweater riddled with moth holes
   • cliffs riddled with caves
   • the bullet-riddled target