as in sprinkling
to cover by or as if by scattering something over or on
sprayed the lawn with pesticides
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 spraying
Aerosol insecticides also show only limited success, as more midges emerge after spraying.
—
Eva Flowe
may 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2026
Williams bought his on the TikTok shop, and chose it because it was advertised as spraying quickly.
—Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2026
Use a disinfecting wipe or lightly dampen a microfiber cloth instead of spraying electronics directly.
—Colleen Sullivan, Martha Stewart, 2 May 2026
Despite the lack of scientific evidence that Epsom salt works as a weed killer, many homemade weed killer recipes floating around on the internet recommend spraying a mixture of Epsom salt, vinegar, and dish soap on weeds to kill them.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2026
Avoid spraying during very hot or cold weather.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2026
Those incidents involved tackling and arresting a journalist, slamming a man to the ground, spraying people with pepper spray, punching a bystander and pointing his firearm at bystanders, according to the report.
—Selina Guevara, NBC news, 30 Apr. 2026
The guiderail program needs the slow rolling process in which the DOT is moving at 15 mph to 20 mph on roads or highways, spraying invasive weeds with herbicide with a wand attached to the truck.
—Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 29 Apr. 2026
The Los Angeles Police Department said a protester was arrested after spraying a chemical agent on two officers outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles.
—Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Eva Flowe
may 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2026
Williams bought his on the TikTok shop, and chose it because it was advertised as spraying quickly.
—Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2026
Use a disinfecting wipe or lightly dampen a microfiber cloth instead of spraying electronics directly.
—Colleen Sullivan, Martha Stewart, 2 May 2026
Despite the lack of scientific evidence that Epsom salt works as a weed killer, many homemade weed killer recipes floating around on the internet recommend spraying a mixture of Epsom salt, vinegar, and dish soap on weeds to kill them.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2026
Avoid spraying during very hot or cold weather.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2026
Those incidents involved tackling and arresting a journalist, slamming a man to the ground, spraying people with pepper spray, punching a bystander and pointing his firearm at bystanders, according to the report.
—Selina Guevara, NBC news, 30 Apr. 2026
The guiderail program needs the slow rolling process in which the DOT is moving at 15 mph to 20 mph on roads or highways, spraying invasive weeds with herbicide with a wand attached to the truck.
—Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 29 Apr. 2026
The Los Angeles Police Department said a protester was arrested after spraying a chemical agent on two officers outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles.
—Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spraying
Verb
-
Planting a clover lawn is as easy as sprinkling topsoil over an even distribution of seeds, followed by watering.—
Lee Wallender,
The Spruce,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The Fort Worth Aviation Museum suffered damages on every single plane at their facility, and hail broke through their exhibit building, sprinkling insulation onto the entire gallery.—
Ella Gonzales,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Italy is not a monolith, but is made up of many tiny, charming towns, glamorous cities, and villages dotting the map along the way.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
4 May 2026
-
Traci Park won the Los Angeles City Council’s 11th District seat in 2022 on a promise to clean up the rising number of homeless encampments dotting the affluent Westside district.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
Dosunmu filled the bill, peppering the Nuggets with floaters, drives and 3s to carry the Minnesota offense.—
Jon Krawczynski,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Fragrant blooms cover plants in spring, with repeat blooming through summer and fall, peppering the air with their distinctive clove-like scent.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spraying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spraying. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
