as in flecks
a small area that is different (as in color) from the main part
there was just a dot on the tablecloth where the food had spattered
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
2
as in sprinkles
to mark with small spots especially unevenly
the practice of some chefs of positioning a small portion of food in the center and dotting the rest of the plate with sauce
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 dots
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
6 July 2026
These dots are just one of the thrilling mysteries that have emerged from JWST’s observations of the early universe.
—
Quanta Magazine,
2 July 2026
The pair of anglers also use Little Cleo spoons in blue with red dots.
—
Tom Opre,
Outdoor Life,
2 July 2026
Here, artist Monika Mayer added two Tiffany blue dots at the base of each pinky-nude nail.
—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
2 July 2026
For Android, go to Settings, found in the three vertical dots in the top right corner, then Account, then Username.
—
David Phelan,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
All over the island, the residential areas were clustered with dots, along forest edges and around people’s yards.
—
Burkhard Bilger,
New Yorker,
29 June 2026
Meanwhile, the mouse’s sensor, a simple PixArt PAW3222, supports a maximum tracking resolution of 4,000 dots per inch (dpi), from a minimum of 400dpi.
—
Zackery Cuevas,
PC Magazine,
27 June 2026
Washington Post journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein were able to connect the dots between the Watergate burglars.
—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
26 June 2026
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
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
The $3,211 per month maintenance fees cover a part-time doorman and a fitness studio, while the location provides easy access to Madison Square Park plus all the shopping and dining that dots the area.
—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
22 Sep. 2025
Noun
Kuze and colleagues estimated the contribution that the little red dots could add to the universe's neutrino background.
—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
6 July 2026
These dots are just one of the thrilling mysteries that have emerged from JWST’s observations of the early universe.
—
Quanta Magazine,
2 July 2026
The pair of anglers also use Little Cleo spoons in blue with red dots.
—
Tom Opre,
Outdoor Life,
2 July 2026
Here, artist Monika Mayer added two Tiffany blue dots at the base of each pinky-nude nail.
—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
2 July 2026
For Android, go to Settings, found in the three vertical dots in the top right corner, then Account, then Username.
—
David Phelan,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
All over the island, the residential areas were clustered with dots, along forest edges and around people’s yards.
—
Burkhard Bilger,
New Yorker,
29 June 2026
Meanwhile, the mouse’s sensor, a simple PixArt PAW3222, supports a maximum tracking resolution of 4,000 dots per inch (dpi), from a minimum of 400dpi.
—
Zackery Cuevas,
PC Magazine,
27 June 2026
Washington Post journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein were able to connect the dots between the Watergate burglars.
—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
26 June 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
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
The $3,211 per month maintenance fees cover a part-time doorman and a fitness studio, while the location provides easy access to Madison Square Park plus all the shopping and dining that dots the area.
—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
22 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dots
Noun
-
Light streams through the frosted glass, catching flecks of dust.
-
But flecks of green were visible throughout the stadium as Algeria fans made their presence known as well.
Verb
-
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.
-
Fulton is already taking precautions and sprays her 150 cattle with a fly-killing liquid.
Verb
-
Use Cinnamon for Plants For outdoor plants, Guerrera sprinkles cinnamon on the soil to naturally kill fungus gnat larvae.
-
In honor of the Niners’ 80th season, the video takes us on a house tour through the decades that sprinkles their opponents’ objects in each room.
Noun
-
One released a chaff cascade—hell’s own monsoon manifesting as specks of light, sound, and EM pulses falling through the hanging garden.
-
Kansas City isn't much of a pedestrian city, but now, blue and green specks of fans dot the sidewalks, like wildflowers poking through a crack in the pavement.
Verb
-
Instead, each child interacts only with a sophisticated artificial intelligence, which peppers them with questions about everything from mathematics to philosophy.
-
Instead, the original body features a patina that peppers its exterior and is a point of celebration, preserved and maintained for true uniqueness.
Verb
-
Imagine a supply chain agent that checks inventory levels regularly, spots potential shortfalls, keeps a list of alternative suppliers and makes purchases when needed.
-
The venue that emphasized cocktails was run by Pearl Street Hospitality, the group behind Denver spots Hudson Hill, Lady Jane and The Wild.
Noun
-
Verticillium wilt causes similar blotches and yellowing.
-
Pine snakes can grow up to 56 inches in length, have black, brown, and russet scales with dark blotches along their backs, and are noted for having a pointed nose, which experts believe may help with burrowing.
Verb
-
When that protective finish gets damaged, the toilet actually stains easier and is harder to keep clean over time.
-
What Sacks doesn’t get is that by financing and diplomatically supporting Israel, our country makes the crimes of the Israeli government possible, which stains America’s reputation in the world and drains our Treasury.
Cite this Entry
“Dots.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dots. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
