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
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 spotted
Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 17 Feb. 2026
The spotted lanternfly, the emerald ash borer and other invasive insects whose numbers have jumped in recent years also shouldn’t be affected by the cold snap, said Cynthia Kwolek, an environmental scientist with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.
—Alex Kuffner, The Providence Journal, 12 Feb. 2026
Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026
One day, Miller spotted Toomey running around the Laguna Beach track and stopped him.
—Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for spotted
Adjective
Ohio quarantined for spotted lanternfly.
—Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 17 Feb. 2026
The spotted lanternfly, the emerald ash borer and other invasive insects whose numbers have jumped in recent years also shouldn’t be affected by the cold snap, said Cynthia Kwolek, an environmental scientist with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.
—Alex Kuffner, The Providence Journal, 12 Feb. 2026
Verb
The actor, who turned 40 on June 11, was spotted out and about with Nicole Mumphrey on his birthday in New Orleans.
—Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026
One day, Miller spotted Toomey running around the Laguna Beach track and stopped him.
—Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for spotted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spotted
Adjective
-
Mercury’s clash with Neptune begs you to hold off on signing on the dotted line.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
3 June 2026
-
It’s liberally dotted with the designer’s personal collection of art and antiques, but still manages to feel pared-back—as if a Scandinavian fairy came down and waved all the potential clutter away.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
Calvo, who is often chaufferred by a police escort but was driving himself on Sunday, also received a second citation under the Florida Statute that regulates the use of emergency and colored lights on vehicles.—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
15 June 2026
-
Crosby used acrylic paint, colored pencils, charcoal, and transfers on paper to create the massive 9-by-10 piece.—
CBS Chicago Team,
CBS News,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
Cubes of French bread are drizzled with butter, generously sprinkled with Swiss and Parmesan cheeses, and soaked with a luscious custard.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
10 June 2026
-
Its Caffe Nico is a latte with orange juice and orange peels reduced into a syrup, then sprinkled with cinnamon.—
Jenna Thompson
June 10,
Kansas City Star,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
As a teenager, Cody noticed a girl named Rebecca during study hall and, according to Davis, winked at her from across the room.—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
-
The Royals noticed the different demeanor.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
The approach treats fragrance as a design element on par with lighting or color, rather than an afterthought sprayed on at the end.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Miami Herald,
9 June 2026
-
On Friday, a third-party employee working at the facility was hospitalized after drilling into a tank that pressurized and sprayed sulfuric acid onto the worker, The Charlotte Observer’s news partner WSOC reported.—
Caitlin McGlade,
Charlotte Observer,
8 June 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
-
In another video published by B’Tselem capturing the moments after the incident, Sam’s father can be seen standing by the car, cradling his baby, whose bright yellow clothing can be seen stained with blood.—
Sarah Dean,
NBC news,
12 June 2026
-
Every blue jersey will be stained with blood by the end of the match.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
11 June 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 16 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
