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
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026
He was spotted in a blue jacket and white collared shirt hobnobbing and posing for photos with cast members and other event attendees.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 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
Who spotted the first hummingbird of the day?
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026
He was spotted in a blue jacket and white collared shirt hobnobbing and posing for photos with cast members and other event attendees.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spotted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spotted
Adjective
-
Another six dead roaches dotted kitchen area light shields.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Moss wore a black, semi-sheer polka-dot blouse featuring delicate, dotted-mesh fabric that revealed a glimpse of skin underneath.—
Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Last week, before the court recessed for Easter, John briefly took the stand, legs and hands shackled and dressed in a khaki-colored prison uniform.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
6 Apr. 2026
-
The outfit was supposed to have matching pants, but it was reported by Sports Illustrated that Day was told by Augusta National to wear normal, solid-colored pants instead.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The look can be as minimalist as gems sprinkled on the tips of neutral nails or as bold as clusters of various stone sizes in intricate formations.—
Jesa Marie Calaor,
Allure,
8 Apr. 2026
-
The grounds are sprinkled with lush gardens, orchards, lakes, and water features.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Plus, the company has noticed a pronounced shift in both customers adjusting the sizes listed in their online profiles and requesting smaller sizes, Baer added.—
Melissa Repko,
CNBC,
9 Apr. 2026
-
That’s when Levinson noticed a giant poster on Zimmer’s wall for Once Upon a Time in the West, the 1968 Sergio Leone spaghetti Western with Claudia Cardinale and Henry Fonda.—
Shirley Halperin,
Rolling Stone,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The snake rattled angrily, thrashed wildly, and sprayed considerable rattlesnake musk or scent.—
Dr. C. E. Kuschel,
Outdoor Life,
9 Apr. 2026
-
In punt return drills involving receiver Mikey Matthews, UCLA players rushed him, screamed at him and sprayed him with water in an attempt to prevent him from catching the ball.—
Anthony Solorzano,
Los Angeles Times,
7 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
-
These areas are most productive on sunny days or when the water’s stained.—
Joe Cermele,
Outdoor Life,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Infantino’s time in power has been praised — often by FIFA itself — as a reformist presidency following the scandals and FBI investigations that stained the organization.—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
9 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 11 Apr. 2026.
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