Synonyms for the phrase "colors in patches" could include "mottled hues," "speckled shades," "variegated tones," and "patchwork colors." Other options might include "dappled pigments," "spotted tints," "checked coloring," or "mosaic hues." Depending on the context, one could also consider "multicolored patches," "rainbow patches," or "various shades in patches." The particular choice of words would depend on the desired tone and emphasis, with some phrases being more artistic or descriptive, while others may be more straightforward or technical. In any case, these synonyms offer numerous possibilities for conveying the idea of various colors in scattered or uneven patterns.