1
as in specks
a small area that is different (as in color) from the main part
in summer the white coat of the snow leopard is studded with brownish black spots
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in pickles
a difficult, puzzling, or embarrassing situation from which there is no easy escape
we're in a bit of a spot right now with our mortgage payments
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in stains
a mark of guilt or disgrace
scandalous conduct that will forever be a spot upon the family name
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in splashes
a very small amount
had only a spot of stew for dinner, as he wasn't very hungry
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in locations
the area or space occupied by or intended for something
the cat grabbed my spot on the couch the minute I stood up
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in dots
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 notices
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 sprays
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 spots
Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
CharlotteFive recently broke down the city’s best breakfast spots — bougie and budget — while a separate guiide rounds up 30-plus restaurants still serving food past midnight.
—Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2026
The lowest-lying streets in Key Biscayne flood about 15 times a year now, and without fixes some spots could see up to 90 days of flooding every year by 2040, consultants from AECOM found.
—Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
One of the most common towing spots in Waterbury from 2022 to 2024 was the Berkeley Heights public housing complex with 318 tows — more than one tow for each of the 254 apartments there.
—Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
Boston ranks right up there with Hawaii as one of the most expensive vacation spots in the country, according to a new report.
—Neal Riley, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026
With only 150 tickets available (including just 20 exclusive VIP spots), this event will sell out fast.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026
Cook, undisturbed, 2 minutes, then toss and continue to cook, undisturbed, until vegetables are charred in spots and tender, 1–2 minutes more.
—Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Apr. 2026
Naperville Central junior Ryan Pall has seen action at first base and catcher and has gotten at-bats at several spots in the batting order.
—Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
The two have starred in a number of commercials — including the 2025 and 2026 Super Bowl spots — for the beer brand, putting their hilarious dynamic on display.
—Staff Author, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
Your perceptive nature spots what others miss, so trust instinct and document the change.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 18 Apr. 2026
Outside, a kid spots the bus and shouts.
—Emmanuel Igunza, NPR, 15 Apr. 2026
Tom Verducci at Sports Illustrated spots eight early effects of ABS.
—Tim Rohan, NBC news, 14 Apr. 2026
On the first day of high school, introverted Okuto Nakumara spots his classmate Aiki Hirose in the crowd of an assembly, and immediately falls head over heels for him.
—Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 3 Apr. 2026
In the clip, posted by Juls Piles (@julspiles), the 21-year-old can be seen swimming away from a boat to retrieve her floatie in the sea, when her brother suddenly spots a shark in the water.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
With Dylan preoccupied, Greg heads to the bar and spots Cristle.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
Sha’Carri Richardson, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, Gabby Thomas and more will be vying for spots on the Olympic team come 2028.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
CharlotteFive recently broke down the city’s best breakfast spots — bougie and budget — while a separate guiide rounds up 30-plus restaurants still serving food past midnight.
—Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2026
The lowest-lying streets in Key Biscayne flood about 15 times a year now, and without fixes some spots could see up to 90 days of flooding every year by 2040, consultants from AECOM found.
—Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
One of the most common towing spots in Waterbury from 2022 to 2024 was the Berkeley Heights public housing complex with 318 tows — more than one tow for each of the 254 apartments there.
—Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
Boston ranks right up there with Hawaii as one of the most expensive vacation spots in the country, according to a new report.
—Neal Riley, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026
With only 150 tickets available (including just 20 exclusive VIP spots), this event will sell out fast.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026
Cook, undisturbed, 2 minutes, then toss and continue to cook, undisturbed, until vegetables are charred in spots and tender, 1–2 minutes more.
—Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Apr. 2026
Naperville Central junior Ryan Pall has seen action at first base and catcher and has gotten at-bats at several spots in the batting order.
—Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
This exercise is intended to not only show where the Rangers have players in place for 2026-27, and which spots those players are likely to occupy, but also to highlight the most glaring holes.
—Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
The two have starred in a number of commercials — including the 2025 and 2026 Super Bowl spots — for the beer brand, putting their hilarious dynamic on display.
—Staff Author, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
Your perceptive nature spots what others miss, so trust instinct and document the change.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 18 Apr. 2026
Outside, a kid spots the bus and shouts.
—Emmanuel Igunza, NPR, 15 Apr. 2026
Tom Verducci at Sports Illustrated spots eight early effects of ABS.
—Tim Rohan, NBC news, 14 Apr. 2026
On the first day of high school, introverted Okuto Nakumara spots his classmate Aiki Hirose in the crowd of an assembly, and immediately falls head over heels for him.
—Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 3 Apr. 2026
In the clip, posted by Juls Piles (@julspiles), the 21-year-old can be seen swimming away from a boat to retrieve her floatie in the sea, when her brother suddenly spots a shark in the water.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
With Dylan preoccupied, Greg heads to the bar and spots Cristle.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 30 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spots
Noun
-
Featuring bolder, thicker spots at the top and more refined, micro specks down the skirt, this mini dress makes all-day, fashionable wear easier than ever.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Silvery or mottled patches on leaves, brown or distorted petal edges, dark specks (feces) or flower buds that fail to open are signs of thrips.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Its chicken salad scoop options include the Olivia’s Old South (sweet pickles and egg), Jalapeño Holly (with jalapeños), Nutty Nanna (with pecans and cashews), Barbie Q and more.—
Jenna Thompson
April 23,
Kansas City Star,
23 Apr. 2026
-
To begin, there are moreish pickles, warm soda bread, and thin slices of sweet Irish Coolea cheese.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In some cases, washing white clothes in hot water can help remove stains and maintain brightness.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Items must be returned in new condition, without stains, tears, damages, or signs of use.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Some splashes of color help enliven it too.—
Adam Williams
April 23,
New Atlas,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Naturally, the color palette revolves around a joyful, beachy vibe—all designed in shades of pink, citrus, and red, with splashes of leopard prints and snake textures.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Officials said the changes do not affect early voting locations and only apply to in-person voting on Election Day.—
Kaley Fedko,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The three locations, which have 256 apartments combined, had 522 tows over two years.—
Ginny Monk,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Barnett dots up Knight for a 57-yard catch-and-run.—
Caleb Yum,
Austin American Statesman,
28 Oct. 2025
-
Rather than the stiff alien chitchat that dots his own screenplays, the characters in The Favourite trade the witty, venomous bon mots of The Great creator Tony McNamara.—
A.A. Dowd,
Vulture,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
If the bear notices you, slowly back away while facing the bear.—
Devarrick Turner,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Darren Staples/Getty Images This is a weekly column where Jon Mackenzie notices something from one of the weekend fixtures in the Premier League.—
Jon Mackenzie,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
When it is finished, maybe a year from now, Bayfront Park will be the city’s front yard, a gathering place to celebrate culture and be dazzled by technology -- laser beams that shoot into the evening sky and a fountain that sprays 60 feet high.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Vicks Sinex Severe, for example, sprays an ultrafine mist that is less likely to irritate your nostrils with its residue.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Spots.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spots. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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