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
Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Adding a spotted twist to the milky nail trend, this set uses a semi-sheer base to frame its polka dot print.
—Sunnah Rasheed, InStyle, 26 Jan. 2026
Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
Chen spotted some fish along the sea floor and then took a moment to look to the surface as sunlight streamed through the ice, seemingly mimicking another Arctic phenomenon.
—ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spotted
Adjective
Two types of skunks are found in the state — the more common striped skunk and the spotted skunk, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Adding a spotted twist to the milky nail trend, this set uses a semi-sheer base to frame its polka dot print.
—Sunnah Rasheed, InStyle, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
Megan Thee Stallion is a genuine fan of the product — she was publicly spotted combining Flamin’ Hot Cheetos with actual pickles before any brand partnership existed.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
Chen spotted some fish along the sea floor and then took a moment to look to the surface as sunlight streamed through the ice, seemingly mimicking another Arctic phenomenon.
—ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spotted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spotted
Adjective
-
Another six dead roaches dotted kitchen area light shields.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Moss wore a black, semi-sheer polka-dot blouse featuring delicate, dotted-mesh fabric that revealed a glimpse of skin underneath.—
Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Relieved of their blindfolds, the men now wore heavy rucksacks filled with colored rocks representing their anger (red), guilt and shame (black), and sadness (blue).—
Charles Bethea,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The woman saw a dark-colored sedan pull away from the scene.—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Plentiful other allusions suggest the wait may not be too painful; the long breadcrumb trail, sprinkled throughout 2025, gives the impression OR3 is just waiting to burst out of her.—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
23 Mar. 2026
-
And while there have always been casual Caribbean restaurants and mom-and-pops sprinkled about—until quite recently, fine dining from the region wasn’t really a thing.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
22 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
That observation mirrors exactly what Miles Bridges has noticed.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Mar. 2026
-
An investigation into the shooting found that a driver picked up a female passenger in Kansas City, and shortly after, the driver noticed they were being followed by the Jeep.—
Robert A. Cronkleton
March 26,
Kansas City Star,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Shortly after Monarez took office, a gunman driven by distrust in vaccines attacked the CDC’s Atlanta headquarters, firing more than 180 rounds that sprayed multiple buildings and killed DeKalb County Police Officer David Rose.—
Brenda Goodman,
CNN Money,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Homes and cars were set ablaze, Palestinians were pepper-sprayed and at least five people were wounded in the overnight assaults, which took place during the Eid al-Fitr holiday marking the end of Ramadan, the agency said.—
Sam Metz,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Mar. 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
-
Phillipe’s teeth were often as wine-stained as his customers’.—
Sammy Loren,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Mar. 2026
-
His hands were stained navy blue.—
Christopher Borrelli,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Mar. 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 1 Apr. 2026.
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