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.
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Recent Examples of spot
Steve Bender, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026
On a day when the action on the field was overshadowed by five players from the Iranian team being granted asylum by host nation Australia, Japan's 4-0 win over Vietnam ensured a spot for the Philippines on goal difference.
—ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026
Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 11 Mar. 2026
The description noted that seeing even one oarfish near shore is rare and that spotting two in the same place is highly unusual.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 11 Mar. 2026
Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
Their speed allows organizations to uncover strategic insights, spot emerging market changes, prevent fraud and predict maintenance needs.
—Steve Durbin, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spot
Noun
As the spots age, the centers turn grayish with a dark purple border.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026
On a day when the action on the field was overshadowed by five players from the Iranian team being granted asylum by host nation Australia, Japan's 4-0 win over Vietnam ensured a spot for the Philippines on goal difference.
—ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
Zacharyus Williams, who was spotted fielding punts in previous spring practices, was not with the group Wednesday morning.
—Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 11 Mar. 2026
The description noted that seeing even one oarfish near shore is rare and that spotting two in the same place is highly unusual.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
But Yankees fans will have to hope that Weaver's assessment is spot on as the team desperately needs another reliable bullpen performer.
—Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
Their speed allows organizations to uncover strategic insights, spot emerging market changes, prevent fraud and predict maintenance needs.
—Steve Durbin, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spot
Noun
-
Some people may benefit from vitamin patches.—
Korin Miller,
SELF,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Then-current neoclassicism is evident in bright scorings — for double winds and brass, strings and timpani — and patches of contrapuntal business.—
Scott Cantrell,
Dallas Morning News,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
And there's no sign that the president is ready to get involved in Georgia's primary on May 19, meaning Republicans there could be on course for a similar predicament.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
6 Mar. 2026
-
And there’s no sign that the president is ready to get involved in Georgia’s primary on May 19, meaning Republicans there could be on course for a similar predicament.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Walk the inside perimeter and glance at ceilings or upper walls for any water stains, especially in attic spaces.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Leading their rise to prominence are recent debuts from Huda Beauty and Summer Fridays to Covergirl and NYX, all of which promise the precision of a classic liner with the staying power of a stain.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Or, add a downspout splash block or a longer downspout hose to direct water away from your home's foundation.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
7 Mar. 2026
-
The best part of the whole look is the splash of green from the flag patch.—
Johnny Flores Jr,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The challenge in finding solutions is that the locations are so spread out.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Another is the location of the school -- next to the Revolutionary Guard base and close to barracks for a naval unit.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
From March to May, the hiking trails are sprinkled with vibrant yellow desert marigolds, deep purple lupines, and bright red and orange Indian paintbrush blooms, among other varieties.—
Annie Daly,
Vogue,
10 Mar. 2026
-
The chain has more than a few Charlotte restaurants with spots in Madison Park, Steele Creek and East Charlotte, plus others sprinkled across the metro — Concord, Kannapolis, Fort Mill and Rock Hill (the latter two opened in 2024).—
Tanasia Kenney,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The Trooper noticed signs of possible criminal activity during the stop and a K-9 unit from the Live Oak County Sheriff’s Office was called for further investigation, according to the release.—
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Mar. 2026
-
The team’s heart and soul noticed.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
They were sprayed without any warning or apparent provocation.—
Bob Ortega,
CNN Money,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Chopper 3 was over the scene where three boats were spraying water on the barge.—
Joe Brandt,
CBS News,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spot. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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