dot 1 of 2

Definition of dotnext
as in fleck
a small area that is different (as in color) from the main part there was just a dot on the tablecloth where the food had spattered

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dot

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to spray
to cover by or as if by scattering something over or on a hillside dotted with wildflowers

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2
as in to sprinkle
to mark with small spots especially unevenly the practice of some chefs of positioning a small portion of food in the center and dotting the rest of the plate with sauce

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of dot
Noun
With its wide field of view, TESS recorded the comet as a bright, fast-moving dot dragging a faint tail across a crowded starfield. Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 28 Jan. 2026 The spacing is meant to be sporadic and natural-looking, so don’t obsess too much over the placement or shape of the dots. Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
Rumors of a best-new-artist curse go back decades, thanks largely to the handful of legitimate tragedies that dot the award’s history. Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 29 Jan. 2026 Instead of viewing them as seasonal decorations to dot around the house, incorporate ceramic houses as an integral part of a room. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dot
Noun
  • Editors could immediately tell that this wasn't your typical tortilla chip, noting the pale color and dark flecks of chia seed.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2026
  • But right now, nearly every fleck of AI folly that’s risen to the top has been utter dreck.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • In addition, scores of videos and news accounts have been circulating this month showing ICE agents pepper-spraying residents or throwing them to the ground in California, Arizona, Minnesota and elsewhere.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Imagine having the gall to besmirch the name of a young mother killed for trying to speak up for her neighbors or of an ICU nurse shot in the back for trying to tend to a woman who had been pepper-sprayed in the face.
    Sasha Abramsky, Washington Post, 2 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Brush top of crust with egg, then sprinkle remaining ⅓ cup sliced almonds over in a thin layer.
    Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
  • For powder, dampen the fabric and then sprinkle powder on each stain.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • With the proper equipment, the sun spots will appear as a small black blotch close to the center of the solar disk, positioned a little above the sun’s equator.
    Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 5 Feb. 2026
  • With the proper equipment, AR4366 will appear as a small black blotch close to the center of the solar disk, positioned a little above the sun's equator.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • All of the familiar tropes are there, from the numerous pop songs peppering the action (including one by Phil Collins, just to remind you of Miami Vice) to the profane banter between the two main characters to the endless fights, shootouts and chases to the colorful villain.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Even as the snow continued to fall, Boston residents peppered the city’s 311 public service request board with reports of snowbound city streets.
    Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • His house in Minneapolis sits between two neighborhoods stained by bloodshed where Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti were killed by federal immigration officers during a surge of immigration enforcement that has ignited outrage and protests across the country.
    Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 2 Feb. 2026
  • The shrine is Canton is demeaned and the Class of ‘26 stained.
    Greg Cote February 1, Miami Herald, 1 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The company’s share of its agreement with California — $55 million — is barely a speck on its balance sheet; revenue for Alphabet, Google’s parent company, topped $102 billion in its most recent quarterly earnings report.
    Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Volcanic specks mushroom up from topaz seas, like a real estate brochure for The Man With The Golden Gun.
    Tristan Rutherford, Robb Report, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Another source said the comedian was once frequently spotted around town over the summer but hasn't been seen since.
    Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026
  • This – along with memorizing their individual preferences and an eye for spotting the next big thing in fashion – has cemented her name in a highly competitive industry.
    Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dot. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.

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