1
as in dotted
marked with spots
the spotted tablecloth clashed with the stripes on the wallpaper
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in colored
having blotches of two or more colors
not surprisingly, the white cow and black bull had a spotted calf
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in sprinkled
to mark with small spots especially unevenly
to give the effect of sunlight on water, the artist spotted the lake in his painting with flecks of gold paint
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in noticed
to make note of (something) through the use of one's eyes
I spotted both of them as they tried to sneak out the back door
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in sprayed
to cover by or as if by scattering something over or on
the TV networks had spotted reporters all over the state for the election
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spotted
Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2026
Ohio quarantined for spotted lanternfly.
—Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 17 Feb. 2026
Jason Green, Mercury News, 19 June 2026
The suspect was spotted about two hours later driving northbound on the 5 Freeway in a black Kia sedan near Roxford Street, officials said.
—Jazmin Alvarado, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for spotted
Adjective
The resulting hybrid has characteristics of both plants but with softer spines than agaves and the spotted patterns of manfreda plants.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2026
Ohio quarantined for spotted lanternfly.
—Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
Police said the vehicle had initially been spotted speeding and driving recklessly on Stevens Creek Boulevard in neighboring Santa Clara.
—Jason Green, Mercury News, 19 June 2026
The suspect was spotted about two hours later driving northbound on the 5 Freeway in a black Kia sedan near Roxford Street, officials said.
—Jazmin Alvarado, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for spotted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spotted
Adjective
-
So if the Heat money is there – with or without Giannis Antetokounmpo – Norm signs on the dotted line.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
20 June 2026
-
Mercury’s clash with Neptune begs you to hold off on signing on the dotted line.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
Calvo, who is often chaufferred by a police escort but was driving himself on Sunday, also received a second citation under the Florida Statute that regulates the use of emergency and colored lights on vehicles.—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
15 June 2026
-
Crosby used acrylic paint, colored pencils, charcoal, and transfers on paper to create the massive 9-by-10 piece.—
CBS Chicago Team,
CBS News,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
The town is home to 35 different accommodations sprinkled along oceanfront El Mar Drive and its surrounding streets.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
17 June 2026
-
Dolshun recommends diatomaceous earth, a natural alternative to harsher insecticides that comes as a powdery substance that can be easily sprinkled in problem areas.—
Ashley Chalmers,
The Spruce,
17 June 2026
Verb
-
The man then noticed a bullet hole in her car door.—
Nathan Pilling,
Kansas City Star,
19 June 2026
-
But in recent years, NASA has noticed that the critical satellite has begun unexpectedly getting lower and lower – putting it in danger of burning up in Earth's atmosphere.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
While chrome is stronger than the clear coat sprayed onto aluminum wheels, the natural grit of polish can still harm your finish.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
16 June 2026
-
Five cranes were brought in for lighting and equipment, and the fire department sprayed down the street to give it a mystical glow.—
Angie Martoccio,
Rolling Stone,
15 June 2026
Adjective
-
The whole rug needs to get wet or colors in the fiber could migrate and result in a blotched look.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Feb. 2025
-
Its leaves are deciduous and sometimes white-blotched.—
Howard Garrett,
Dallas News,
16 Aug. 2021
Verb
-
Opt for a material that’s white washed or stained for a farmhouse look.—
Rachel Fletcher,
Architectural Digest,
19 June 2026
-
Crime scene technicians called in to help execute a search warrant reported observing blood spattered all over Mao’s bedroom, and a machete and two dumbbells stained with blood.—
Robert Salonga,
Mercury News,
17 June 2026
Verb
-
Moving a blade back and forth to try to saw biscuits apart will make their layers stick (and ruin the rise).—
Ella Quittner,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Ruggeri says that, in comparison to saw palmetto, which gets far more attention.—
Adam Hurly,
Robb Report,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spotted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spotted. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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