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
Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 29 May 2026
According to this close read lovingly assembled by a super-fan, Williams is rarely spotted without a book in his hand.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 29 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
But—just as in the movie—at the last minute the forecasters spotted a break in the storms that would be just calm enough for the invasion force to make the crossing.
—Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 29 May 2026
According to this close read lovingly assembled by a super-fan, Williams is rarely spotted without a book in his hand.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for spotted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spotted
Adjective
-
Barça fancy the idea of signing Silva according to Mundo Deportivo, and the Portuguese international is eager to sign on the dotted line to don Blaugrana.—
Tom Sanderson,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
-
If the ratio breaks higher, through the black dotted down trendline, the question of which sector has the advantage heading into the back half of 2026 will finally be answered — technology.—
Todd Gordon,
CNBC,
26 May 2026
Adjective
-
In the Menil work, the central character is an artist brandishing a bouquet of colored pencils, surrounded by a seraphic tumble of monochrome extras that are her handiwork.—
Jeremy Lybarger,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
-
The ones still managing to a colored dashboard will be answering for it.—
Yonesy Nunez,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
They can also be folded into batters for cookies, baked oatmeal, or quick breads like banana bread—or, for a pretty garnish, sprinkled on top just before baking.—
Kirsten Nunez,
Martha Stewart,
31 May 2026
-
And this time there were a few defensive mistakes sprinkled in, as well.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
30 May 2026
Verb
-
Among those who noticed was Land O' Lakes, which reached out with a surprise package for the birthday girl.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
28 May 2026
-
According to the probable cause statement, Kirkpatrick, the witness and the victim were in the residence’s master bedroom when the victim noticed Kirkpatrick had allegedly taken his keys, wallet and cellphone, according to the probable cause statement.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
Herbicide damage can occur from chemicals sprayed on your property or on a neighboring property, with commercial agriculture fields being a common source for gardeners in rural areas.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
29 May 2026
-
That rejection came on the heels of the arrest of career criminal Tyler Brown who allegedly sprayed Memorial Drive on May 11 with gunfire from an automatic weapon, wounding two people and causing havoc.—
Peter Lucas,
Boston Herald,
28 May 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
-
Not every paramilitary fighter is stained by the corruption of the Shia elite or implicated in spilling innocent blood in recent years.—
Nabil Salih,
Time,
26 May 2026
-
Nobody can resist a saucy, savory sloppy joe, but you're bound to leave a sloppy joe meal with at least one article of clothing stained.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
22 May 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 Jun. 2026.
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