1
as in spraying
to cover by or as if by scattering something over or on
a hillside dotted with wildflowers
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in sprinkling
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
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Recent Examples of dotting
Burn scars dotting our state from Paradise to Pacific Palisades show clearly his failure to prioritize fire prevention.
—
Brian Jones, Oc Register, 6 Jan. 2026
The city is in a valley, so nearly every building has a view—on this January morning, of fires dotting the hills and little, loud aircraft flying in all directions, like a mosquito swarm on a hot night.
—Gisela Salim-Peyer, The Atlantic, 5 Jan. 2026
Clean Mirrors If there are fingerprints and toothpaste remnants dotting your mirror, grab a Swiffer, glass cleaner, and a microfiber cloth.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025
Partitions in the space were crafted using a traditional Japanese technique called Kumiko woodworking, alongside custom plateware from ceramicist Shinobu Habauchi dotting the 10-seat counter.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 30 Dec. 2025
By Nadia Lathan, CalMatters Fridge-less apartments dotting the pricey California rental market will soon be a head-scratching relic.
—Calmatters, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025
With the same mixture and a small dotting tool, place four dots down the center of the nail, and then place three more on each side.
—Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 27 Dec. 2025
Visitors were treated to a traditional lion dance, complete with the eye-dotting ceremony that symbolized good fortune and energy for the new venture.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
The area put on a display of yellow aspen trees dotting the mountains between evergreens, their delicate leaves vibrating in the wind.
—Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025
Brian Jones, Oc Register, 6 Jan. 2026
The city is in a valley, so nearly every building has a view—on this January morning, of fires dotting the hills and little, loud aircraft flying in all directions, like a mosquito swarm on a hot night.
—Gisela Salim-Peyer, The Atlantic, 5 Jan. 2026
Clean Mirrors If there are fingerprints and toothpaste remnants dotting your mirror, grab a Swiffer, glass cleaner, and a microfiber cloth.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025
Partitions in the space were crafted using a traditional Japanese technique called Kumiko woodworking, alongside custom plateware from ceramicist Shinobu Habauchi dotting the 10-seat counter.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 30 Dec. 2025
By Nadia Lathan, CalMatters Fridge-less apartments dotting the pricey California rental market will soon be a head-scratching relic.
—Calmatters, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025
With the same mixture and a small dotting tool, place four dots down the center of the nail, and then place three more on each side.
—Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 27 Dec. 2025
Visitors were treated to a traditional lion dance, complete with the eye-dotting ceremony that symbolized good fortune and energy for the new venture.
—Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
The area put on a display of yellow aspen trees dotting the mountains between evergreens, their delicate leaves vibrating in the wind.
—Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dotting
Verb
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Always follow product instructions exactly, and avoid spraying when beneficial insects such as bees or ladybugs are present in the area.—
Derek Carwood,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Jan. 2026
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If detected, they can be controlled by spraying the camellias with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
2 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Consider sprinkling stevia over your oatmeal.—
Carrie Madormo,
Verywell Health,
3 Nov. 2025
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For tougher stains, Stein suggests sprinkling baking soda over the area and then spraying it with a mixture of vinegar and water.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
1 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Factor in Rodgers' league-leading time-to-throw abilities, and defenses don't have time to be as exotic, which enables the Steelers to methodically drive down the field, often by peppering their running backs near the line of scrimmage.—
Austin Mock,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
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But their decision won't be made before peppering the final three with questions at the final Tribal Council.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Holevich adds that cleaning these surfaces promptly will help prevent long-term staining and lingering odors.—
Kate Van Pelt,
The Spruce,
7 Jan. 2026
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Foods like tomato sauce and chocolate can cause staining if they aren't wiped up right away.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dotting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dotting. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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