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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of spotting
Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026
Expect brisk mornings and evenings with pleasantly warm, often sunny afternoons that set the stage for activities like rafting, hiking, or wildlife spotting.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2026
When the camp comes into view–which can be in as short as 45 minutes or as long as a few hours, depending on your eagerness for wildlife spotting versus the desire of simply getting to your tent and relaxing—another wow factor sets in.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Visitors explore natural landmarks like Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch and take part in outdoor activities including hiking, wildlife spotting, seal swimming and diving.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 18 May 2026
The downward-facing large flowers are variable, ranging from white and pink to purple, frequently with interior spotting.
—Judy Nauseef, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2026
These mostly black-tie events are a chance to dress to the nines while toasting a good cause; excellent people-watching, and even better dress-spotting.
—Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 4 May 2026
Here are the 10 NYC restaurants Deuxmoi flagged as the best for celebrity spotting.
—Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 May 2026
The find is extremely rare, with the last similar spotting occurring in 1950.
—Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 9 June 2026
Fans are probably lining up for scones in hopes of spotting Ashley crying behind the counter.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 8 June 2026
The jay system is rooted in Buddhist dietary practice and is widely recognized by Thai vendors, so spotting the symbol on a cart or menu is a reliable signal.
—Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 8 June 2026
South Lido Beach is a quiet stretch best known for manatee spotting on kayaks, and famed Siesta Beach on nearby Siesta Key has been named best beach in America by TripAdvisor.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 6 June 2026
More than just fitness, Iraola’s midfielders are tasked with spotting opportunities to jump into challenges.
—Thom Harris, New York Times, 5 June 2026
For your best chance of spotting noctilucent clouds, look toward the western sky as the brightest stars begin to emerge after sunset.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 5 June 2026
Instead of just releasing Mythos, which proved in testing to be adept at spotting security holes, Anthropic initially made the model available to 11 organizations, including Club names CrowdStrike and Palo Alto Networks .
—Zev Fima, CNBC, 4 June 2026
Kayakers contacted law enforcement after spotting Barmettler’s vehicle down a steep embankment on South Fork Road, close to the South Fork of the Payette River, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 3 June 2026
Noun
The restaurant was considered an upscale place for special occasions such as first dates, engagements and wedding receptions and was popular for celebrity spotting.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026
Expect brisk mornings and evenings with pleasantly warm, often sunny afternoons that set the stage for activities like rafting, hiking, or wildlife spotting.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2026
When the camp comes into view–which can be in as short as 45 minutes or as long as a few hours, depending on your eagerness for wildlife spotting versus the desire of simply getting to your tent and relaxing—another wow factor sets in.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Visitors explore natural landmarks like Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch and take part in outdoor activities including hiking, wildlife spotting, seal swimming and diving.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 18 May 2026
The downward-facing large flowers are variable, ranging from white and pink to purple, frequently with interior spotting.
—Judy Nauseef, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2026
These mostly black-tie events are a chance to dress to the nines while toasting a good cause; excellent people-watching, and even better dress-spotting.
—Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 4 May 2026
Here are the 10 NYC restaurants Deuxmoi flagged as the best for celebrity spotting.
—Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 May 2026
The find is extremely rare, with the last similar spotting occurring in 1950.
—Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
But the Atlanta product was a versatile combo guard in college who could play on or off the ball, facilitating out of pick-and-rolls, spotting up or creating his own shot against 1-on-1 defense.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 9 June 2026
Fans are probably lining up for scones in hopes of spotting Ashley crying behind the counter.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 8 June 2026
The jay system is rooted in Buddhist dietary practice and is widely recognized by Thai vendors, so spotting the symbol on a cart or menu is a reliable signal.
—Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 8 June 2026
South Lido Beach is a quiet stretch best known for manatee spotting on kayaks, and famed Siesta Beach on nearby Siesta Key has been named best beach in America by TripAdvisor.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 6 June 2026
More than just fitness, Iraola’s midfielders are tasked with spotting opportunities to jump into challenges.
—Thom Harris, New York Times, 5 June 2026
For your best chance of spotting noctilucent clouds, look toward the western sky as the brightest stars begin to emerge after sunset.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 5 June 2026
Instead of just releasing Mythos, which proved in testing to be adept at spotting security holes, Anthropic initially made the model available to 11 organizations, including Club names CrowdStrike and Palo Alto Networks .
—Zev Fima, CNBC, 4 June 2026
Kayakers contacted law enforcement after spotting Barmettler’s vehicle down a steep embankment on South Fork Road, close to the South Fork of the Payette River, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 3 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spotting
Noun
-
The quirky discovery came in May 2026, while Mikelson was helping sort through the belongings of her grandmother, Peggy Kelpe, who died of cancer in February at the age of 82.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
7 June 2026
-
The interpretive trail features around 30 jade displays and introduces how the stone formed, how it was sourced, and how early discoveries sparked a brief but notable jade industry in the region.—
Vivian Chung,
Travel + Leisure,
7 June 2026
Verb
-
During Tuesday’s practice, which was the first of three on-field sessions this week, the Dolphins opened up the play-action game during the first 11-on-11 period by sprinkling in some running plays.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
2 June 2026
-
Leaving wet grass clippings on your lawn or sprinkling them over garden beds can create a breeding ground for fungal diseases and block airflow, creating a layer of humidity, says Handley.—
Alexandra Kelly,
Martha Stewart,
22 May 2026
Verb
-
Many are noticing the impact their reliance on technology has had on their relationships, and are craving real personal connections.—
Staff Author,
Parents,
7 June 2026
-
The taboo is calling into question what a society instills in its people—all of its people—without their even noticing.—
Nina Mesfin,
New Yorker,
7 June 2026
Verb
-
Avoid spraying when wind speeds exceed 5 miles per hour and use a low spray pressure to increase droplet size, as larger particles are less likely to move with the wind.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
29 May 2026
-
In the end, efforts to cool the crippled tank by spraying water on it were believed to have helped slow down the reaction enough to prevent an explosion or massive rupture in the tank that could have sent toxic chemicals flowing into waterways and the ocean.—
Iris Kwok,
Los Angeles Times,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
Clients hit a few balls in front of a launch monitor — a device that measures the physical data of a golf shot and club swing, and then feeds the findings in real time through an algorithm to generate club recommendations.—
Jack Bantock,
CNN Money,
5 June 2026
-
The new findings add to concerns about the toxic fallout left behind by the most destructive wildfires in Southern California’s recent history.—
Tony Briscoe,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
Start with a clear glitter base, then use a dotting tool to create white daisies with pink and orange centers.—
Rebecca Norris,
InStyle,
8 June 2026
-
Among the historic attractions dotting Route 66, there may be none more hapless and ill fated as the Aztec Hotel in Monrovia.—
Assistant Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
Verb
-
Quick hits Cornerback Chau Smith-Wade, who is seeing time at safety, blitzed Pickett for a would-be sack during 11-on-11 work.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
11 June 2026
-
As the top marketing and strategy officer for Lumen Technologies, Ryan Asdourian never tires of seeing his company’s name atop the Seattle Seahawks stadium, Lumen Field.—
Les Carpenter,
Washington Post,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
Health authorities believe the outbreak, which took the eastern region of Congo by surprise after spreading silently for weeks without detection, started in the bustling mining area of Mongbwalu in Ituri province.—
Justin Kabumba,
Los Angeles Times,
7 June 2026
-
In 2023, the Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) Board approved a contract worth over $1 million to install an AI detection layer on top of its district-wide network of cameras and related security infrastructure.—
Cyrus Farivar,
ArsTechnica,
7 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spotting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spotting. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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