1
as in spraying
to cover by or as if by scattering something over or on
pepper the costume with flecks of glitter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in sprinkling
to mark with small spots especially unevenly
spilled flour peppered the kitchen floor
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 peppering
Hezbollah upped its campaign as well, peppering Israeli troops in southern Lebanon and areas of northern Israel with drones and rocket attacks, according to statements from the group.
—
Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026
Two years ago, Guardiola sent Kyle Walker to invite Warnock up to his office after the long-serving manager had been working on a television broadcast, and started peppering him with questions.
—Sam Lee, New York Times, 25 May 2026
The charm offensive was benefited Rubio peppering in a number of jokes during his hourlong appearance.
—Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 7 May 2026
Fragrant blooms cover plants in spring, with repeat blooming through summer and fall, peppering the air with their distinctive clove-like scent.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2026
O’Leary’s just been peppering the house manager with questions about her business and admiring the replica of the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man that dominates the entryway.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 9 Apr. 2026
Netflix is doubling down on film and TV from Argentina, opening a new office in the capital, peppering its slate with four new shows, and dishing updates on various others including the latest season of hit series The Eternaut.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2026
The Goldeneyes were the dominant side to start, peppering Osborne with shots early and outshooting the visitors 12-5 in the first period, but struggled to handle New York’s push in the second.
—ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
Dover-Sherborn/Weston came out with a major spark to start the third down 4-1, peppering Tigers goalie Jacob Dangel with eight shots in the first three minutes.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 8 Mar. 2026
Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026
Two years ago, Guardiola sent Kyle Walker to invite Warnock up to his office after the long-serving manager had been working on a television broadcast, and started peppering him with questions.
—Sam Lee, New York Times, 25 May 2026
The charm offensive was benefited Rubio peppering in a number of jokes during his hourlong appearance.
—Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 7 May 2026
Fragrant blooms cover plants in spring, with repeat blooming through summer and fall, peppering the air with their distinctive clove-like scent.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2026
O’Leary’s just been peppering the house manager with questions about her business and admiring the replica of the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man that dominates the entryway.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 9 Apr. 2026
Netflix is doubling down on film and TV from Argentina, opening a new office in the capital, peppering its slate with four new shows, and dishing updates on various others including the latest season of hit series The Eternaut.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2026
The Goldeneyes were the dominant side to start, peppering Osborne with shots early and outshooting the visitors 12-5 in the first period, but struggled to handle New York’s push in the second.
—ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
Dover-Sherborn/Weston came out with a major spark to start the third down 4-1, peppering Tigers goalie Jacob Dangel with eight shots in the first three minutes.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 8 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peppering
Verb
-
Avoid spraying when wind speeds exceed 5 miles per hour and use a low spray pressure to increase droplet size, as larger particles are less likely to move with the wind.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
29 May 2026
-
In the end, efforts to cool the crippled tank by spraying water on it were believed to have helped slow down the reaction enough to prevent an explosion or massive rupture in the tank that could have sent toxic chemicals flowing into waterways and the ocean.—
Iris Kwok,
Los Angeles Times,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
Leaving wet grass clippings on your lawn or sprinkling them over garden beds can create a breeding ground for fungal diseases and block airflow, creating a layer of humidity, says Handley.—
Alexandra Kelly,
Martha Stewart,
22 May 2026
-
And Crawford has been sprinkling in a secret catchphrase no one has caught on to yet.—
Rohan Nadkarni,
NBC news,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
Among the historic attractions dotting Route 66, there may be none more hapless and ill fated as the Aztec Hotel in Monrovia.—
Assistant Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
-
With one dotting tool, one sponge, and one nail art brush, the world is your manicure oyster.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Peppering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peppering. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
