Synonyms of spotting

spotting 1 of 2

noun

as in discovery

the act or process of sighting or learning the existence of something for the first time

the spotting of a new bird is always a thrill for an avid bird-watcher

Synonyms & Similar Words

• discovery
• finding
• detection
• exploration
• awareness
• unearthing
• disclosure
• revelation
• invention
• exposure
• creation
• notice
• uncovering
• espial
• unveiling
• rediscovery

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• loss
• disappearance
• hiding
• concealment

spotting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of spot

1

as in sprinkling

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

• sprinkling
• dotting
• staining
• peppering
• dyeing
• flecking
• blotching
• dappling
• mottling
• shooting
• stippling
• speckling
• specking
• splotching
• freckling
• striping
• marbling
• streaking
• blotting
• interspersing
• barring
• banding
• spattering
• studding
• setting
• bespattering

2

as in noticing

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

• noticing
• seeing
• eyeing
• regarding
• viewing
• sighting
• observing
• watching
• remarking
• catching
• spying
• noting
• looking (at)
• distinguishing
• witnessing
• perceiving
• discerning
• beholding
• identifying
• espying
• descrying
• scanning
• getting a load of
• considering
• marking
• setting eyes on
• laying eyes on
• studying
• surveying
• inspecting
• examining
• picking out
• scrutinizing
• attending (to)
• heeding
• making out
• glimpsing
• glancing (at)
• peering (at)
• picking up
• minding

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignoring
• disregarding
• neglecting
• missing
• passing over
• overlooking
• overpassing

3

as in spraying

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

• spraying
• sprinkling
• dotting
• peppering
• scattering
• strewing
• dusting
• sowing
• bestrewing
• drizzling
• dappling
• speckling
• flecking
• studding
• blanketing
• stippling
• spattering
• bespattering

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of spotting

Noun

Camping, hiking, wildlife spotting, fishing, birding, and kayaking. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Sep. 2026

This time, however, the spotting has occurred at the same time that China’s new Type 076 amphibious assault ship entered its final sea trials. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026

Kesha’s raccoon spotting comes shortly after a wild raccoon with a spine deformity, nicknamed Jimothy, recently went viral after a Seattle resident’s video gained over 5 million views online. — Jack Irvin, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026

Set along the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the city features a walkable historic downtown, scenic Harborwalk, quaint cafés and restaurants, and easy access to kayaking, boating, fishing, and wildlife spotting. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2026

Overhead irrigation is discouraged to prevent leaf disease and spotting. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 4 July 2026

Here's a guide to the best beaches for surfing, swimming, and penguin-spotting. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 June 2026

While drones have long played an integral role in Russian operations, they have traditionally been used for artillery spotting and precision-strike missions. — Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026

There's also horseback riding, turtle spotting, and birdwatching for anyone in the group who'd rather skip the history lesson. — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 12 June 2026

Verb

Around that time, spotting it on nearby evenings or mornings will be extremely difficult. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 5 Sep. 2026

The north end of the beach features Whiskey Creek, a quiet brackish river that is great for kayaking and occasionally spotting some manatees (though highly unlikely at this time of year). — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026

Winter also brings memorable encounters with whales across Australia, including swimming with dwarf minke whales along the Great Barrier Reef from June through July and spotting migrating humpbacks along the east coast from May through October. — Stuart Rigg, Travel + Leisure, 4 Sep. 2026

There are now a number of betting monitoring companies eagle-eyed on spotting suspicious wagers. — Andrew Zucker, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026

Make the non-hunter feel useful by giving them credit for spotting a buck or bull. — Christine Peterson, Outdoor Life, 2 Sep. 2026

But the program was working on spotting locations where such events might be likely — something that can help communities downstream be better prepared for the worst. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026

Palal also argued the shooting was premeditated, pointing to testimony and Davis’ accounts that the group searched for Shakur before spotting him on the road and making a U-turn. — Jonathan Landrum Jr, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026

Authorities in Indiana are warning residents to be vigilant after a person reported spotting a several-hundred-pound lioness and a large cub roaming in one central county. — Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026