Synonyms of spotting

spotting 1 of 2

noun

as in discovery

the act or process of sighting or learning the existence of something for the first time

the spotting of a new bird is always a thrill for an avid bird-watcher

Synonyms & Similar Words

• discovery
• finding
• detection
• exploration
• awareness
• unearthing
• disclosure
• revelation
• invention
• exposure
• creation
• notice
• uncovering
• espial
• unveiling
• rediscovery

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• loss
• disappearance
• hiding
• concealment

spotting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of spot

1

as in sprinkling

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

• sprinkling
• dotting
• staining
• peppering
• dyeing
• flecking
• blotching
• dappling
• mottling
• shooting
• stippling
• speckling
• specking
• splotching
• freckling
• striping
• marbling
• streaking
• blotting
• interspersing
• barring
• banding
• spattering
• studding
• setting
• bespattering

2

as in noticing

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

• noticing
• seeing
• eyeing
• regarding
• viewing
• sighting
• observing
• watching
• remarking
• catching
• spying
• noting
• looking (at)
• distinguishing
• witnessing
• perceiving
• discerning
• beholding
• identifying
• espying
• descrying
• scanning
• getting a load of
• considering
• marking
• setting eyes on
• laying eyes on
• studying
• surveying
• inspecting
• examining
• picking out
• scrutinizing
• attending (to)
• heeding
• making out
• glimpsing
• glancing (at)
• peering (at)
• picking up
• minding

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignoring
• disregarding
• neglecting
• missing
• passing over
• overlooking
• overpassing

3

as in spraying

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

• spraying
• sprinkling
• dotting
• peppering
• scattering
• strewing
• dusting
• sowing
• bestrewing
• drizzling
• dappling
• speckling
• flecking
• studding
• blanketing
• stippling
• spattering
• bespattering

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of spotting

Noun

Take out the property’s resident boat Bella from the Hamilton Harbor Yacht Club for a view of the Port Royal mega-mansions and a chance at dolphin spotting. — Harriet Elton, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026

The hoofed Highlanders have been embraced as an unofficial mascot on campus, with Reddit threads dedicated to donkey spotting and burro plushies for sale in the campus store. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026

Wilted or leathery leaves are signs of low humidity, while yellow spots on the leaves indicate fungal spotting from too much humidity. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 23 Sep. 2026

Camping, hiking, wildlife spotting, fishing, birding, and kayaking. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Sep. 2026

This time, however, the spotting has occurred at the same time that China’s new Type 076 amphibious assault ship entered its final sea trials. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026

Kesha’s raccoon spotting comes shortly after a wild raccoon with a spine deformity, nicknamed Jimothy, recently went viral after a Seattle resident’s video gained over 5 million views online. — Jack Irvin, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026

Set along the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the city features a walkable historic downtown, scenic Harborwalk, quaint cafés and restaurants, and easy access to kayaking, boating, fishing, and wildlife spotting. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2026

Overhead irrigation is discouraged to prevent leaf disease and spotting. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 4 July 2026

Verb

Passengers screamed after spotting the co-pilot stabbing the captain, and the flight from Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, to the Israeli city of Tel Aviv began a steep dive. — Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026

But Topo Chico fans have already begun spotting the familiar green bottles — and celebrating online. — Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026

The World Soundtrack Awards‘ Discovery of the Year prize has a knack for spotting emerging talent. — Ben Croll, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026

Performance-wise, their 42mm objectives drink in enough light for general astronomy use, though not so much for spotting deep sky objects. — Chris McMullen, Space.com, 25 Sep. 2026

The greatest value now comes from turning conversations into strategy—earning executive trust, spotting unmet opportunities and orchestrating partnerships that create lasting competitive advantage. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Keep in mind that the full Harvest Moon takes place on September 26, so moonlight may interfere with spotting faint auroras. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 23 Sep. 2026

The complaint states that an employee contacted police after spotting Quast inside the store and recognizing her as someone who had allegedly committed a similar theft days earlier, the outlet reported. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026

The same minerals spotting your glasses and scaling your faucets could also be the reason your shampoo barely lathers or your hair has been feeling dull and stiff lately. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026