dotted 1 of 2

dotted

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verb

past tense of dot
1
2
as in flecked
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 dotted
Adjective
The dotted centers of the doodle-looking flowers were instead clusters of spotlights that could point in different directions. Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2026 O’Connell Marsh will report to Andrea Scrosati, Fremantle’s Group COO and CEO Continental Europe, with a dotted line to Jens Richter, CEO Commercial and International, and will sit on the Global Leadership Team. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 31 July 2026 On one of the surviving Ottoman maps of Athens, it’s indicated by a dotted line, a marking that also indicated what is believed to have been a plan of underground tunnels below the citadel. Literary Hub, 20 July 2026 The United Kingdom’s queen consort wore a long-sleeve midi dress in black and white with a geometric, dotted pattern throughout the fabric. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 16 July 2026 Today, these dotted dogs are living symbols of courage, companionship and tail-wagging tradition that’s an iconic part of American history. Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 15 July 2026 But what is clear is that challenges remain ahead for Erik Spoelstra’s team even after Giannis Antetokounmpo signs Monday on that dotted line. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 July 2026 The dotted floral design adds a subtle pattern without feeling too bold, and matching shams are available to complete the look. Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 But depending on what happens over the next few days, the Warriors may have actually gotten better if James signs on the dotted line. Nick Friedell, New York Times, 1 July 2026
Verb
Sinot used a palette of pure white, vibrant magenta, and dandelion yellow, with the white color concentrated in the inner corners and dotted with teeny pink spots that faded into bright pink at the outer corners. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 3 Aug. 2026 Over the years, the landscape of parking has changed rapidly in Boise as the population swelled; some surface parking lots that dotted the city have been replaced as city planners push for more efficient uses. Idaho Statesman, 3 Aug. 2026 Volkswagen has long been known for its sporty sedans that have dotted American roadways since the late 1970s. Keith Laing, USA Today, 30 July 2026 Artsakh’s population hovered around 150,000, split between the cities of Shusha and Stepanakert and the villages dotted between. Literary Hub, 30 July 2026 The numerous lakes of northern Minnesota dotted the landscape below. Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 During longer waits for a table—more than 2 hours on some weekends—visitors are encouraged to walk around the property, which is lined with hiking trails and dotted with interpretive displays on the Winnebago people. Jess Hoffert, Midwest Living, 26 July 2026 Old and new stone houses dotted a hillside green with olive and citrus trees. Jane Arraf, NPR, 26 July 2026 Mile after mile, the American landscape is dotted with marvelous nature, maximum kitsch and everything in between. Sarah Silbiger, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dotted
Adjective
  • Rows of amber colored pill bottles fill the wall behind a pharmacist who prepares 1,200 medications a day – more than some New York City children’s hospitals.
    Rachel Hale, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026
  • My test car featured predominantly black seats with contrasting white trim and additional light-colored detailing throughout the cabin.
    Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • This week brought me from Belgian Gothic seminaries to Victorian mansions, with a few aggressively average $4,700 apartments sprinkled among them to keep us grounded.
    Nora DeLigter, Curbed, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Apple Slices with Cinnamon and Nut Butter When the afternoon slump hits, enjoy crunchy apple slices sprinkled with cinnamon and dipped in nut butter.
    Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Family, friends and neighbors filled the frames with dancing and dominoes; their apartments painted in shades of mint, butter yellow and palomino pink, flecked with a patina cultivated by humidity and time.
    Suzy Exposito, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2026
  • Teal is coming out on top, with its mesmerizing mix of sea-blue and green undertones, as well as flamingo pinks flecked with iridescent shimmer particles.
    Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 18 July 2026
Adjective
  • Because spotted skunks are relatively rare in California wildlife rehabilitation centers and in the surrounding area, there were no other skunks of his kind available to keep him company.
    Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026
  • Normally, doctors can detect spotted fever Rickettsia lanei by performing specialized laboratory tests on skin or blood samples.
    Noe Padilla, USA Today, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • Video of the arrest shows Ludwig being dragged out of the car, thrown onto the ground, and then pepper-sprayed as Govindbhai tries to put Ludwig's arms behind his back.
    Jose Fabian, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The food waste is sprayed with bleach, deodorizer and water before it’s covered and hauled to a landfill in Riverside County, east of Los Angeles.
    Celina Tebor, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • His youth was stained by dysfunction and neglect, adverse childhood experiences that increase the risk of mental illness.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The toes of the woman who wore it must have been stained red.
    Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In reality, EcoBirdy’s signature speckled finish is made from recycled plastic toys—a fitting second life for a table designed to be covered in them.
    Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 31 July 2026
  • Anglers often congregate at Eagle Point Fishing Camp, where the bay’s crosscurrents attract redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and more.
    Gabi De la Rosa, Southern Living, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • The typical guests were generally older couples, average age somewhere around 55-65, peppered here and there with larger groups of friends or families.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
  • This is a sport in which bodies get crunched, ears, noses and faces get peppered, and matches can be won by an anaconda choke or a guillotine choke.
    Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dotted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dotted. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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