1
as in dotted
marked with spots
the spotted tablecloth clashed with the stripes on the wallpaper
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in colored
having blotches of two or more colors
not surprisingly, the white cow and black bull had a spotted calf
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in sprinkled
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 noticed
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 sprayed
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
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Recent Examples of spotted
Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Feb. 2026
Two types of skunks are found in the state — the more common striped skunk and the spotted skunk, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 1 May 2026
The bird was spotted in apparent trouble and was captured by city park rangers and animal control officers.
—Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for spotted
Adjective
The whimsical spotted foliage of lungwort (Pulmonaria spp.) lights up the shade garden from spring through fall.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Feb. 2026
Two types of skunks are found in the state — the more common striped skunk and the spotted skunk, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
Karl-Anthony Towns Eagle-eyed sports fans who saw the film ahead of the theatrical release also spotted New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns.
—Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 1 May 2026
The bird was spotted in apparent trouble and was captured by city park rangers and animal control officers.
—Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for spotted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spotted
Adjective
-
Similar to the actress’s blouse, this Amazon find has billowy long sleeves, a playful dotted print, and a tie neckline that adds extra fashion flair when poking out from under spring jackets and blazers.—
Mia Huelsbeck,
PEOPLE,
18 Apr. 2026
-
Cane-Like Begonias Cane-like begonias, known as angel wings, are known for their glossy, dotted, or hairy foliage.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
When the Woods Hole Science Aquarium reopens in 2027, the split-colored lobster is expected to be among the animals on display for visitors — a 1-in-50-million catch that went from a Cape Cod fishing boat to a permanent home at a Massachusetts aquarium.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Deputies put out a be-on-the-lookout for a dark-colored car.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Roast chickpeas to make a crunchy snack (that can also be sprinkled over salads and grain bowls).—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Today, this custom has evolved into subtler hints of the color, quietly hidden in the bridal look or sprinkled throughout the events of the day.—
Rosie Jarman,
Vogue,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Cook noticed that all of the lead characters could be said to have conflicting desires, which gave her idea of how to stage the show using the traditional singing/signing model.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Their disappearance was not noticed for several hours and touched off a massive manhunt.—
Meredith Deliso,
ABC News,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Harold Wilken still remembers the moment nearly 30 years ago when he was sprayed with herbicides after a hose broke on his family farm in Danforth, Illinois.—
Christiana Freitag,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Sometimes the Flock license-plate reader cameras were sprayed with pink spray paint; other times they were struck with bats, hit with BB guns, or simply unscrewed.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The whole rug needs to get wet or colors in the fiber could migrate and result in a blotched look.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Feb. 2025
-
Its leaves are deciduous and sometimes white-blotched.—
Howard Garrett,
Dallas News,
16 Aug. 2021
Verb
-
Look for bins that are not coated or stained with toxic finishes.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
30 Apr. 2026
-
On TikTok, short videos often show people traveling to Turkey to fix their uneven or stained teeth and transform their smiles.—
K.H. Koehler,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Moving a blade back and forth to try to saw biscuits apart will make their layers stick (and ruin the rise).—
Ella Quittner,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Ruggeri says that, in comparison to saw palmetto, which gets far more attention.—
Adam Hurly,
Robb Report,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spotted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spotted. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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