1
as in patch
a small area that is different (as in color) from the main part
in summer the white coat of the snow leopard is studded with brownish black spots
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in predicament
a difficult, puzzling, or embarrassing situation from which there is no easy escape
we're in a bit of a spot right now with our mortgage payments
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in stain
a mark of guilt or disgrace
scandalous conduct that will forever be a spot upon the family name
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in splash
a very small amount
had only a spot of stew for dinner, as he wasn't very hungry
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to sprinkle
to mark with small spots especially unevenly
to give the effect of sunlight on water, the artist spotted the lake in his painting with flecks of gold paint
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to notice
to make note of (something) through the use of one's eyes
I spotted both of them as they tried to sneak out the back door
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in chance
Related Words
Dissimilar 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 spot
Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026
The beetle, named for six gold spots that adorn its back, doesn’t fly far.
—Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2026
Hannah Malach, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026
There’s great wildlife spotting.
—Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026
Rumit Mehta, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
Fain made a similar argument himself during an interview on CBS’s Face the Nation, decrying Trump’s anti-union actions while saying his tariffs are spot on.
—Haisten Willis, The Washington Examiner, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spot
Noun
The more transformative results from this serum target dark spots and fine lines.
—Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026
The beetle, named for six gold spots that adorn its back, doesn’t fly far.
—Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
Earlier that month, the duo was spotted courtside at a WNBA game.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026
There’s great wildlife spotting.
—Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
Along the way, spot Himalayan ibex, Tibetan wolves, and endangered Himalayan brown bears.
—Rumit Mehta, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
Fain made a similar argument himself during an interview on CBS’s Face the Nation, decrying Trump’s anti-union actions while saying his tariffs are spot on.
—Haisten Willis, The Washington Examiner, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spot
Noun
-
Sometimes, missing out on sleep for a few days or longer is all but unavoidable, say, because of a tough patch at work or the reality of life as a new parent.—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
6 Jan. 2026
-
These topical patches stick to the back of your ear or around your navel and release a natural blend of essential oils to relieve nausea.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
This year, however, my predicament has grown more urgent.—
Seth Abramovitch,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Owner’s Jail, to put it nicely, is the predicament of NFL fans whose team is owned by someone whose stewardship does not inspire great optimism.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Snag it in black, white, green, blue, or maple or walnut wood stains in sizes ranging from 4 by 4 inches to 8 by 10 inches.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Additional Tips Avoid using hairspray to clean nail polish stains.—
Emily Benda Gaylord,
The Spruce,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Atlas is also built to withstand harsh conditions, operating reliably in temperatures from -4°F to 104°F, and is waterproofed to protect it from splashes on factory floors.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The first round of the International Tennis Federation’s W35 tournament, played on a clay court in Nairobi, Kenya, wouldn’t normally make much of a splash in the tennis world, but millions of people have now seen what transpired over 37 excruciating minutes in the capital.—
Don Riddell,
CNN Money,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Walmart plans to add EV sites at thousands of Walmart and Sam’s Club locations by 2030.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The area runs parallel to a typically busy In-N-Out fast-food chain location, a gas station, and a bus stop that runs to the university.—
Madisen Keavy,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Spray any tough-to-clean areas with a bit of vinegar and sprinkle with baking soda.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Flaky phyllo dough is filled with zesty harissa sauce and halloumi cheese and sprinkled with breadcrumbs and paprika for a savory bite-sized snack.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The theft wasn't noticed until a store employee saw that the entire caviar section was empty, which led management to check their security cameras.—
Michele Gile,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
One game, Jordan Ross, his roommate, noticed that Jake was too late to rotate over on a double-team from the baseline side on a drive.—
Mirin Fader,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Then, spray the outside of your oven door with a cleaner or use soapy water to wipe it down.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Researchers are also studying ways to cool the most endangered parts of the reef, like spraying salt water into clouds to deflect sunlight.—
Susan Casey,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spot. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share