as in spotting
to make note of (something) through the use of one's eyes
the crew felt a rush of excitement upon hearing that the lookout had sighted land
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Recent Examples of sighting
Even slight pollution or habitat changes can threaten them — a detail that makes every confirmed sighting significant for conservation science.
—
Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026
In addition to the occasional energy vortex, Sedona is said to be a UFO sighting hot spot.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 2026
The equipment allowed the researchers to pinpoint the area emitting the ginkgo-toothed beaked whale's unique call without first sighting the animals, which are among the deepest-diving mammals in the world.
—Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 21 Nov. 2025
Parks closed, troops deployed for bears In Sapporo City, authorities closed Maruyama Park for two weeks following a bear sighting there.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 14 Nov. 2025
His call to the Coast Guard upon sighting Humphrey resulted in a comical conversation.
—Helen Harlan, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2025
One of the six runways at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport was closed for about 45 minutes early Saturday afternoon after reports of a drone sighting around noon (1000 GMT), military police spokesman Doron Wallin told The Associated Press.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 27 Sep. 2025
Pasquatch sighting in Cleveland!
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 12 Sep. 2025
From locations that are plagued by light pollution, sighting this comet may prove to be rather difficult.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026
In addition to the occasional energy vortex, Sedona is said to be a UFO sighting hot spot.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 2026
The equipment allowed the researchers to pinpoint the area emitting the ginkgo-toothed beaked whale's unique call without first sighting the animals, which are among the deepest-diving mammals in the world.
—Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 21 Nov. 2025
Parks closed, troops deployed for bears In Sapporo City, authorities closed Maruyama Park for two weeks following a bear sighting there.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 14 Nov. 2025
His call to the Coast Guard upon sighting Humphrey resulted in a comical conversation.
—Helen Harlan, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2025
One of the six runways at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport was closed for about 45 minutes early Saturday afternoon after reports of a drone sighting around noon (1000 GMT), military police spokesman Doron Wallin told The Associated Press.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 27 Sep. 2025
Pasquatch sighting in Cleveland!
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 12 Sep. 2025
From locations that are plagued by light pollution, sighting this comet may prove to be rather difficult.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sighting
Verb
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An allergist shared tips on spotting the difference and reducing exposure during peak pollen weeks.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Apr. 2026
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These color changes can help scientists understand the composition of minerals on the surface, according to NASA, because while there is plenty of satellite imagery of the moon, the human eye is better at spotting the changes of color.—
Brendan Byrne,
NPR,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The difference between counting down the minutes and barely noticing the time often comes down to what’s in your carry-on.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Apr. 2026
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For someone noticing early volume loss or fine lines, that endorsement from a Mayo Clinic dermatologist carries real weight.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Kansas City Star,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
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That means residents are seeing larger chunks of their paychecks going to utilities compared to people in other places.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 Apr. 2026
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Sponsors began seeing themselves out on Monday, and the entire festival was quickly canceled after news of Ye’s ban broke on Tuesday.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Police have not confirmed any details regarding the incident at this time.—
Naomi Ruchim,
CBS News,
12 Apr. 2026
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The team hopes the aircraft, beyond providing insight into wartime aviation, will impart wisdom regarding the real consequences of war during this time of global unrest.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sighting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sighting. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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