spots 1 of 2

plural of spot
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

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2
3
4
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

spots

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of spot

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 spots
Noun
Add apples, toss lightly and roast 7 to 8 minutes more, till carrots are tender, corn is browned in spots and apples are golden but still firm. ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026 The Chiefs are in an unusual position this year because the waiver wire priority list is the same as the NFL Draft order, but teams that traded first-round picks stay in their original spots. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026 Those players could take roster spots from younger players or at least playing time opportunities. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Spritzing the cloth instead of directly onto the windows helps prevent water spots from forming. Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 29 Aug. 2026 One of his lasting memories involved standing in the registration line with Tiger Woods two spots behind him. Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 28 Aug. 2026 Hit the Allies by surprise, in the weak spots—the flanks, the rear. Danielle Parker, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 Koopala’s rechargeable, stick-on task light illuminates tricky spots around the home that could use extra light without the hassle of cords or hardwiring. Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Aug. 2026 Fifth-round selection Jaden Dugger is still a raw product coming out of Louisiana, but the 6-foot-4, 240-pound linebacker is getting opportunities in practice to try his hand at a variety of spots. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 23 Aug. 2026
Verb
Burns didn't become a five-time PGA Tour winner, contend for major championships and earn five consecutive Team USA spots without pouring himself into the game. Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026 When the camera spots something that matches, or resembles, the image of the target, the drone flies into it and explodes. Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026 Ted first spots her at the reception before the two finally meet at the Farhampton train station afterward. Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Aug. 2026 Aimed at readers ages 4 to 8, Love from Above tells the story of Christopher, a young boy who spots a pair of hummingbirds in his garden one day. Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 2026 And since Jace’s death, she’s treated Baela as nothing more than a defective surveillance drone — a worthless piece of tech that never spots Vhagar. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026 Korean lunar orbiter spots Falcon 9 crash site The collision was expected to create a crater about 60 feet wide and 12 feet deep and throw a plume of dust and rock outward into the air. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026 Johnston said Disney sold Super Bowl spots to 58 brands across 34 product categories, including financial services, candy, personal care and software. Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2026 McCoy cautioned that anyone who spots Phegley should not attempt to approach or apprehend him. Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spots
Noun
  • Calcium shows up as bright white specks on the coronary artery images.
    Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Pulse a few times, until crumbs range in size from specks to peas.
    Leah Eskin, Midwest Living, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • In the book’s 16 central chapters, Roden wanders from central categories such as yogurt, egg dishes, breads and pickles, showing how the countries of this region prepare stunning variations of common foodstuffs.
    Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The following month, Marcus and Bakhitar made another strategic decision based on their network's advice, submitting applications to sell pickles at Erewhon and Whole Foods despite barely having any history as a business.
    Megan Sauer, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The stoneware resists chips, scratches, and stains, and everything is dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
    Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
  • From removing stubborn stains to softening scratchy towels, vinegar consistently tackles the problems that detergents and fabric softeners sometimes leave behind.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Built in a distinctively analog way, the rooms create the illusion of endless space through the use of light, mirrors and splashes of color.
    Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The company has built a reputation in the investment world for backing companies that have made big splashes, including Uber, Waymo and Discord.
    Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Potential applications include remote power, industrial facilities and other locations where grid access is limited or additional reliable power is required.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Studios mostly bear the $50,000 cost for each film print, and only a limited number of theater locations would bring in enough foot traffic to justify that price.
    Kamaron McNair Juhohn Lee, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Prepare to be dazzled from Warsaw’s highest viewing terrace atop Varso Tower, which proudly dots the skyline, before eating your way through the innovative food halls that define the coolest neighborhoods.
    Kasia Dietz, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2026
  • Japanese linens top the bed, and designer furniture dots the living space.
    Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • An investor sees the breadth divergence, watches the failed breakouts and notices the heavier down-volume, but then waits for a headline to confirm what the price data has already said.
    Thomas Hartmann, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Gretchen Nash notices when her kids toss produce into the trash instead of into the family’s compost bin.
    Emily Staunton, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • In a photo of West Pine Cliff Court, burned homes surround one still standing, as a firefighter sprays down the walls and roof facing the engulfed house next door.
    Amanda Jackson, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • In the confusion, Paula is able to subdue Sky by nailing his hand to the ground and then sprays Ashley in the face with the dry shampoo before fleeing the scene.
    Erin Qualey, Vulture, 10 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Spots.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spots. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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