1
as in specks
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 pickles
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 stains
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 splashes
a very small amount
had only a spot of stew for dinner, as he wasn't very hungry
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in locations
the area or space occupied by or intended for something
the cat grabbed my spot on the couch the minute I stood up
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in dots
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 notices
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
3
as in sprays
to cover by or as if by scattering something over or on
the TV networks had spotted reporters all over the state for the election
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of spots
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
The state's ranking improved by two spots from the previous year, moving from 23rd to 21st.
—Finch Walker, USA Today, 2 June 2026
There are several spots to cool off in Treasure Valley as the temperatures rise, including Roaring Springs Water Park in Meridian, which added a new spiral water slide for the 2026 season.
—Hali Smith
june 2, Idaho Statesman, 2 June 2026
Microsoft is aggressively fortifying its weak spots.
—Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 2 June 2026
Recent polls have shown a three-way competition between Democrat Xavier Becerra, Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Tom Steyer for the top two spots to advance to November.
—Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026
With only small roles like one-episode guest spots on Third Watch and Law & Order to his name, the role of Bubbles, the lovable character experiencing a drug problem, was a breakthrough for Andre Royo.
—Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 2 June 2026
Additionally, the building offers two parking spots.
—Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 27 May 2026
Kraft Sports + Entertainment COO Jim Nolan said the stadium will be able to add to the 5,000 parking spaces currently allotted for World Cup attendees, and also noted that independent lots along Route 1 will account for another 5,000 spots.
—Neal Riley, CBS News, 26 May 2026
Ryan J. Rusak, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2026
Illinois lawmakers voted to legalize sports betting, allowing a Chicago casino, slot machines at both city airports, casinos in the south suburbs, Waukegan, Rockford, Danville and Williamson County, slot machines at horse racing tracks and spots betting at casinos and tracks.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2026
Later on in the night, Rocky spots a man on the verge of being bounced from the room.
—Jeff Ihaza, VIBE.com, 2 June 2026
Tess, who's on the bus rebuffing yet another apology from Orson, spots Jamison walking by.
—Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 1 June 2026
The attack drone spots the Russian soldier in a field in eastern Ukraine and swoops in.
—David L. Stern, Washington Post, 31 May 2026
But both spots continued operating until recently.
—Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2026
In March, Beta was selected for seven of the eight eVTOL Integration Pilot Program spots — the most out of any aircraft maker.
—Samantha Subin, CNBC, 29 May 2026
But Uri spots talent, and soon Niki will desperately need the money when Harry lands in the hospital.
—Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
Noun
Guests can also opt for private dining at various spots around the islands.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
The state's ranking improved by two spots from the previous year, moving from 23rd to 21st.
—Finch Walker, USA Today, 2 June 2026
There are several spots to cool off in Treasure Valley as the temperatures rise, including Roaring Springs Water Park in Meridian, which added a new spiral water slide for the 2026 season.
—Hali Smith
june 2, Idaho Statesman, 2 June 2026
Microsoft is aggressively fortifying its weak spots.
—Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 2 June 2026
Recent polls have shown a three-way competition between Democrat Xavier Becerra, Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Tom Steyer for the top two spots to advance to November.
—Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026
With only small roles like one-episode guest spots on Third Watch and Law & Order to his name, the role of Bubbles, the lovable character experiencing a drug problem, was a breakthrough for Andre Royo.
—Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 2 June 2026
Additionally, the building offers two parking spots.
—Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 27 May 2026
Kraft Sports + Entertainment COO Jim Nolan said the stadium will be able to add to the 5,000 parking spaces currently allotted for World Cup attendees, and also noted that independent lots along Route 1 will account for another 5,000 spots.
—Neal Riley, CBS News, 26 May 2026
Verb
Eats Beat columnist Bud Kennedy covered a busy month of Fort Worth-area restaurant news in May, from beloved institutions closing to fresh brunch spots opening.
—Ryan J. Rusak, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2026
Illinois lawmakers voted to legalize sports betting, allowing a Chicago casino, slot machines at both city airports, casinos in the south suburbs, Waukegan, Rockford, Danville and Williamson County, slot machines at horse racing tracks and spots betting at casinos and tracks.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2026
Later on in the night, Rocky spots a man on the verge of being bounced from the room.
—Jeff Ihaza, VIBE.com, 2 June 2026
Tess, who's on the bus rebuffing yet another apology from Orson, spots Jamison walking by.
—Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 1 June 2026
The attack drone spots the Russian soldier in a field in eastern Ukraine and swoops in.
—David L. Stern, Washington Post, 31 May 2026
But both spots continued operating until recently.
—Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2026
In March, Beta was selected for seven of the eight eVTOL Integration Pilot Program spots — the most out of any aircraft maker.
—Samantha Subin, CNBC, 29 May 2026
But Uri spots talent, and soon Niki will desperately need the money when Harry lands in the hospital.
—Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spots
Noun
-
Most astronomers now agree that each of these minuscule crimson specks—which bear a striking resemblance to enormous, faraway stars—actually has a burgeoning black hole at its center.—
Joseph Howlett,
Scientific American,
27 May 2026
-
As in Kourliandski’s quartet, specks and splatters of sound are interspersed with silences.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
At Miznon, fresh pita is filled with a falafel burger, tangy pickles, tomato, sour cream, and green chili peppers.—
Aly Walansky,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
-
Most varieties make crisp, firm pickles when picked at about 4 inches long.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
Use a baking soda paste to help with stubborn stains.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
3 June 2026
-
To wash a pet’s bed, vacuum it first to pick up fur, then spot-treat any stains before laundering it according to the care tag instructions.—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
The locks are designed for outdoor installations too, with an IP65 weather resistance rating for protection against rain, splashes and dust.—
Paul Lamkin,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
-
Try your coffee warm or iced, with some cinnamon and a few splashes of unsweetened almond milk.—
Karen Berger,
Verywell Health,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
Ukraine this year has rapidly developed its medium and long-range drones to attack Russian targets, including Moscow’s oil facilities and other locations far beyond the frontlines.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
3 June 2026
-
As Sacramento prepared for Election Day, voters had already begun Monday to return ballots at early voting and vote-by-mail ballot drop-off locations, such as the California Museum in downtown Sacramento.—
Velvet Wu
June 1,
Sacbee.com,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
Prepare to be dazzled from Warsaw’s highest viewing terrace atop Varso Tower, which proudly dots the skyline, before eating your way through the innovative food halls that define the coolest neighborhoods.—
Kasia Dietz,
Travel + Leisure,
13 May 2026
-
Japanese linens top the bed, and designer furniture dots the living space.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
This song ends the same way — nobody notices her quiet everyday heroism, but nothing can quench her spirit.—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
30 May 2026
-
So while the card has long been Bilt’s headline, the next 18 months will be about whether anyone notices the rest.—
Lily Mae Lazarus,
Fortune,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
The dishwasher sprays smaller amounts of water over a longer period while relying on soaking and efficient circulation rather than intense heat and pressure.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
28 May 2026
-
The violent collision sprays a jet of electrons, positrons, and other particles down into a cloud at a random angle.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spots.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spots. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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