sprayed

past tense of spray
as in sprinkled
to cover by or as if by scattering something over or on sprayed the lawn with pesticides

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sprayed The concept jumped off after a protester in an inflatable frog suit was sprayed with a chemical spray by a federal agent outside an immigration facility earlier in October in Portland. Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 18 Oct. 2025 The Newberry Police Department responded to the scene and sprayed the dog, stopping the attack before the victim was flown to the hospital, per Cleveland 19 News. Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025 Wasps that were not in the nest when it was sprayed may return to it after foraging. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025 Later in the evening, Black was again shoved and sprayed with pepper spray outside the ICE facility in Broadview, a village outside Chicago. Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 9 Oct. 2025 The visiting clubhouse attendants lit the same White Barn candles — mahogany teakwood intense — that brought the room back to life last month after the Phillies sprayed champagne and beer to celebrate a division title. Matt Gelb, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025 When Sanchez advanced after being sprayed, Tole pulled a knife to defend himself, authorities said. Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025 Among the plaintiffs is a pastor who said federal agents shot him with pepper balls and sprayed him in the face with tear gas. Christopher Cann, USA Today, 8 Oct. 2025 The Associated Press reported that the former New York Jets quarterback was pepper-sprayed and stabbed multiple times during the incident and the truck driver was cut on his cheek, according to court records. Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sprayed
Verb
  • Chopped pecans are sprinkled over the top, creating that irresistible sticky topping once the buns are baked and flipped.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The minimum guarantees were reduced to 14 out of the show’s 18 episodes per season, meaning some of Grey’s Anatomy’s stars won’t appear in four episodes usually sprinkled throughout the season.
    Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The kitchen towels have an orange and white gingham pattern dotted with dainty pumpkins.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Amid these troubled times, dotted by funding cuts, hope abounds with last week’s launch of the Australian Championship, a second-tier competition that aims to connect the top and bottom of the country’s football pyramid.
    Jack Bantock, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Oilers effectively peppered the Canucks netminder, landing 37 shots on goal, to just 15 for Vancouver.
    MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
  • The streets are brimming with culture, as homes and buildings peppered throughout the town are adorned with beautiful, colorful murals featuring Black men and women.
    Essence, Essence, 6 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sprayed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sprayed. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

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