Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense spots, present participle spotting, past tense, past participle spotted
1. countable noun [usually plural]
Spots are small, round, coloured areas on a surface.
The leaves have yellow areas on the top and underneath are powdery orange spots.
The swimsuit comes in navy with white spots or blue with green spots.
2. countable noun [usually plural]
Spots on a person's skin are small lumps or marks.
Never squeeze blackheads, spots or pimples.
Synonyms: pimple, blackhead, pustule, zit [slang] More Synonyms of spot
3. countable noun
A spot of a liquid is a small amount of it.
[mainly British]
Spots of rain had begun to fall. [+ of]
Secure with a few spots of glue.
4. quantifier
If you have a spot of something, you have a small amount of it.
[mainly British]
Mr Brooke is undoubtedly in a spot of bother. [+ of]
A year or two ago I found myself indulging in a spot of yachting in Finnish waters.
We've given all the club members tea, coffee and a spot of lunch. [+ of]
5. countable noun
You can refer to a particular place as a spot.
They stayed at several of the island's top tourist spots.
They all stood there staring, as if frozen to the spot.
6. countable noun
A spot in a television or radio show is a part of it that is regularly reserved for a particular performer or type of entertainment.
Unsuccessful at screen writing, he got a spot on a CNN film show.
7. verb
If you spot something or someone, you notice them.
Vicenzo failed to spot the error. [VERB noun]
He left the party seconds before smoke was spotted coming up the stairs. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: see, observe, catch sight of, identify More Synonyms of spot
8. See also spotted, black spot, blind spot
9.
See on the spot
10.
See on the spot
11.
See put on the spot
12.
See in a tight spot
13. rooted to the spot
14. to have a soft spot for someone
More Synonyms of spot
spot in British English
(spɒt)
noun
1.
a small mark on a surface, such as a circular patch or stain, differing in colour or texture from its surroundings
2.
a geographical area that is restricted in extent
a beauty spot
3.
a location
this is the exact spot on which he died
4.
a blemish of the skin, esp a pimple or one occurring through some disease
5.
a blemish on the character of a person; moral flaw
6. informal
a place of entertainment
we hit all the night spots
7. informal, mainly British
a small quantity or amount
a spot of lunch
8. informal
an awkward situation
that puts me in a bit of a spot
9.
a short period between regular television or radio programmes that is used for advertising
10.
a position or length of time in a show assigned to a specific performer
11. short for spotlight
12. (in billiards)
a. Also called: spot ball
the white ball that is distinguished from the plain by a mark or spot
b.
the player using this ball
13. billiards, snooker
one of several small black dots on a table that mark where a ball is to be placed
14. (modifier)
a.
denoting or relating to goods, currencies, or securities available for immediate delivery and payment
spot goods
See also spot market, spot price
b.
involving immediate cash payment
spot sales
15. change one's spots
16. high spot
17. knock spots off
18. on the spot
19. soft spot
20. tight spot
21. weak spot
verbWord forms: spots, spotting or spotted
22. (transitive)
to observe or perceive suddenly, esp under difficult circumstances; discern
23.
to put stains or spots upon (something)
24. (intransitive)
(of some fabrics) to be susceptible to spotting by or as if by water
silk spots easily
25. (transitive)
to place here and there
they spotted observers along the border
26.
to look out for and note (trains, talent, etc)
27. (intransitive)
to rain slightly; spit
28. (transitive) billiards
to place (a ball) on one of the spots
29. military
to adjust fire in order to correct deviations from (the target) by observation
30. (transitive) US informal
to yield (an advantage or concession) to (one's opponent)
to spot someone a piece in chess
Derived forms
spottable (ˈspottable)
adjective
Word origin
C12 (in the sense: moral blemish): of German origin; compare Middle Dutch spotte, Old Norse spotti
spot in American English
(spɑt)
noun
1.
a small area of different color or texture from the main area of which it is a part; often, a mark made by some foreignmatter; stain, blot, speck, patch, etc.
2.
a.
any of the pips used on playing cards, dice, etc.
b.
a playing card having (a specified number of) pips
the ten spot of spades
3.
a flaw or defect, as in character or reputation; something blameworthy; fault
4.
a.
a locality; place
a good fishing spot
b.
any small area or space
5.
spotlight
6.
a small, edible, silvery, marine drum fish (Leiostomus xanthurus) of the W Atlantic with a black spot behind the gill cover
7. British, Informal
a small quantity; bit
a spot of tea
8. Informal
position; situation; job
9. Informal
position or place in a schedule or listing
10. Informal
a spot advertisement or announcement
11. Informal
the advantage or handicap given an opponent
12. US, Slang
a nightclub
13. US, Slang
a piece of paper money of a specified value
a ten spot
verb transitiveWord forms: ˈspotted or ˈspotting
14.
to mark with spots
15.
to sully; stain; blemish
16.
to mark for future consideration
17.
a.
to place in or on a given spot or spots; locate
to spot men at strategic points
b. Informal
to put in a spot in a schedule or listing
18.
to be located at various places in or on
19.
to shine a spotlight on
20.
to remove (individual spots, marks, etc.) as in dry cleaning
21.
a.
to pick out; detect; see; recognize
to spot someone in a crowd
b.
to determine the location of (a target, the enemy, etc.)
c.
to correct the accuracy of (gunfire) for a gun crew
22.
to observe and report on (plays) as a spotter in sports
23. US, Informal
to allow as an advantage or handicap
to spot an opponent points
verb intransitive
24.
to become marked with spots
25.
to cause a spot or spots; make a stain, as ink, water, etc.
26.
to act as a spotter, esp. for a gun crew or in sports
adjective
27.
a.
that can be paid out or delivered immediately; ready
spot cash
b.
involving immediate payment of cash
c.
involving cash transactions only
28.
made at random or according to an arbitrary sampling procedure
a spot survey
29.
inserted between regular radio or television programs
a spot advertisement or announcement
Idioms:
change one's spots
hit the high spots
hit the spot
in a (bad) spot
on the spot
Word origin
ME < or akin to MDu spotte, akin to ON spotti, small piece (of ground)
More idioms containing
spot
be on the spot
a blind spot
do something on the spot
have a soft spot for someone
hit the spot
put someone on the spot
COBUILD Collocations
spot
age spot
bald spot
ideal spot
perfect spot
quiet spot
Examples of 'spot' in a sentence
spot
Who leaves the key to the safe where it can be easily spotted by a passing burglar?
The Sun (2015)
See if you can spot the logical flaw here.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Those of us with bodies free of any blemish except liver spots and varicose veins.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
They have been spotted at various clubs and restaurants together over the last week.
The Sun (2009)
The bees were spot on last year.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
See how quickly you can spot the two identical pictures.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The first two past the post qualify with one discretionary spot.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Pause on the walk to the penalty spot.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
There are two galley kitchens and the long veranda is a great spot for lunch.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Suddenly the bird clearly spotted something and visibly stiffened.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
She only resumed treatment when a junior doc spotted the error.
The Sun (2015)
Yellow throat with white and blue spots.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
They were arrested after being spotted filming and whisked to jail.
The Sun (2013)
It is then that the tree is most easily spotted.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
One need not to be an anthropologist to spot the flaw.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Powder will also help concealer on spots blemishes.
The Sun (2008)
The show knocked spots off rival channels.
The Sun (2009)
That may be a disadvantage when it comes to nailing down a regular spot at a club.
The Sun (2009)
Your thinking is sharp so you can spot correct answers in competitions and make love choices with your mind switched on.
The Sun (2011)
Brumbies will be tough opposition having recently secured top spot in the Australian conference.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
We all have secret places and dark spots in our lives, especially the older we get.
Christianity Today (2000)
MANAGERS should schedule time for a cup of tea and a spot of quiet reflection.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Its candlelit restaurant is one of the most romantic spots on the island, with a menu that goes beyond green curry.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Quotations
Out, damned spot!William ShakespeareMacbeth
In other languages
spot
British English: spot /spɒt/ NOUN
round markSpots are small, round, coloured areas on a surface.
The sweater is navy with white spots.
American English: spot coloured area
Arabic: بُقْعَة
Brazilian Portuguese: mancha
Chinese: 斑点
Croatian: prištić
Czech: puntík
Danish: plet
Dutch: vlek smet
European Spanish: grano espinilla
Finnish: näppylä
French: bouton peau
German: Pickel
Greek: βούλα
Italian: foruncolo
Japanese: しみ blemish
Korean: 점
Norwegian: flekk
Polish: krosta
European Portuguese: mancha
Romanian: pată
Russian: пятно
Latin American Spanish: grano lesión en la piel
Swedish: fläck
Thai: จุด
Turkish: akne
Ukrainian: пляма
Vietnamese: đốm
British English: spot /spɒt/ NOUN
place You can refer to a particular place as a spot.
...the island's top tourist spots.
American English: spot place
Arabic: مَكَان
Brazilian Portuguese: lugar
Chinese: 地点
Croatian: mjesto
Czech: místo
Danish: sted
Dutch: plek
European Spanish: sitio
Finnish: paikka
French: lieu
German: Stelle Ort
Greek: σημείο
Italian: luogo
Japanese: 地点 place
Korean: 자리
Norwegian: sted
Polish: miejsce
European Portuguese: lugar
Romanian: loc
Russian: место
Latin American Spanish: sitio
Swedish: plats
Thai: สถานที่
Turkish: yer
Ukrainian: місце
Vietnamese: nơi
British English: spot /spɒt/ VERB
If you spot something or someone, you notice them.
We spotted smoke coming up the stairs.
American English: spot
Arabic: يَتَعَرَّفُ
Brazilian Portuguese: localizar
Chinese: 认出
Croatian: spaziti
Czech: všimnout si
Danish: få øje på
Dutch: herkennen
European Spanish: divisar
Finnish: huomata
French: remarquer
German: entdecken
Greek: εντοπίζω
Italian: individuare
Japanese: 見つける
Korean: ...을 찾아내다
Norwegian: få øye på
Polish: dostrzec
European Portuguese: localizar
Romanian: a identifica
Russian: заметить
Latin American Spanish: divisar
Swedish: upptäcka
Thai: พบเห็น
Turkish: fark etmek
Ukrainian: помічати
Vietnamese: phát hiện ra
All related terms of 'spot'
G-spot
an area in the front wall of the vagina which is alleged to produce an extremely intense orgasm when stimulated
spot ad
a brief advertisement broadcast in a programme break
spot-on
Spot-on means exactly correct or accurate.
age spot
Spots on a person's skin are small lumps or marks.
bald spot
You can refer to a particular place as a spot .
cold spot
an area where house prices are stable and properties are slow to sell
dead spot
See blind spot (sense 4 )
five-spot
(in the US) a five-dollar bill
flat spot
a region of poor acceleration over a narrow range of throttle openings , caused by a weak mixture in the carburettor
high spot
The high spot of an event or activity is the most exciting or enjoyable part of it.
hot spot
You can refer to an exciting place where there is a lot of activity or entertainment as a hot spot .
leaf spot
any of various plant diseases, usually caused by fungi : characterized by dark lesions on the leaves
not-spot
a place where wireless internet , esp broadband , services are not available
Red Spot
a large long-lived oval feature, south of Jupiter's equator , that is an anticyclonic disturbance in the atmosphere
slow spot
an area where only a relatively slow broadband internet connection service is available
soft spot
a sentimental fondness (esp in the phrase have a soft spot for )
spot ball
a small mark on a surface, such as a circular patch or stain , differing in colour or texture from its surroundings
spot cash
an amount of money paid immediately in cash
spot fine
a fine imposed immediately , without further legal process
spot kick
a free kick at the goal from a point ( penalty spot ) within the penalty area and 12 yards (about 11 m) from the goal, with only the goalkeeper allowed to defend it: awarded to the attacking team after a foul within the penalty area by a member of the defending team
spot pass
a pass of the ball, puck , etc. to a prearranged spot at which the receiver is expected to arrive at the same time as the ball, puck, etc.
spot rate
in a foreign currency transaction , the rate of exchange at which the transaction will be made on a specified date
spot test
an informal test run without elaborate preparation in order to obtain an immediate sample response
spot-weld
to join (two pieces of metal , esp in the form of wire or sheet ) by one or more small circular welds by means of heat , usually electrically generated , and pressure
two-spot
a card with two pips ; two; deuce
weak spot
some aspect of a character or situation that is susceptible to criticism
beauty spot
A beauty spot is a place in the country that is popular because of its beautiful scenery .
black spot
If you describe a place, time, or part of a situation as a black spot , you mean that it is particularly bad or likely to cause problems .
blind spot
If you say that someone has a blind spot about something, you mean that they seem to be unable to understand it or to see how important it is.
brown spot
a disease of many plants, characterized by irregular , brownish lesions on the fruit and foliage and by stem cankers , caused by any of several fungi , as Ceratophorum setosum or Cephalosporium apii
flying-spot
denoting an electronic system in which a rapidly moving spot of light is used to encode or decode data , for example to obtain a television signal by scanning a photographic film or slide
ideal spot
You can refer to a particular place as a spot .
liver spot
a dark brown skin spot , usually caused by sun exposure
picnic spot
an attractive place for picnics
quiet spot
You can refer to a particular place as a spot .
spot check
If someone carries out a spot check , they examine one thing from a group in order to make sure that it is satisfactory .
spot fixing
the act of deliberately engineering an outcome within a sporting contest without attempting to alter the outcome of the contest itself
spot height
a mark on a map indicating the height of a hill , mountain , etc
spot market
a market in which commodities , currencies , or securities are traded for immediate delivery
spot meter
a light meter that takes a reading from a small precise area of the subject being photographed
spot plate
a flat ceramic or plastic plate containing small wells on which spot tests are made
spot price
the price of goods, currencies , or securities that are offered for immediate delivery and payment
spot survey
a survey taken immediately and at random
sweet spot
the centre area of a racket , golf club , etc, from which the cleanest shots are made
tight spot
a serious , difficult , or dangerous situation
yellow spot
→ macula lutea
penalty spot
a point within the penalty area and 12 yards (about 11 m) from the goal , from which a penalty kick may be taken
perfect spot
You can refer to a particular place as a spot .
spot lighting
Spot lighting is lighting directed towards and used to draw attention to a product or display .
spot remover
a concentrated cleaning fluid used to remove small areas of staining , such as on a carpet
Chinese translation of 'spot'
spot
(spɔt)
n(c)
(= mark) 斑点(點) (bāndiǎn) (个(個), gè)
(= dot) 点(點) (diǎn) (个(個), gè)
(= pimple) 疵点(點) (cīdiǎn) (个(個), gè)
[of rain]一滴 (yī dī)
(= place) 地点(點) (dìdiǎn)
(Rad, TV) 短小节(節)目 (duǎnxiǎo jiémù)
a spot of (esp Brit, = small amount)[lunch, activity]少量 (shǎoliàng) [trouble, bother]处(處)境 (chǔjìng)
vt
(= notice) 发(發)现(現) (fāxiàn)
on the spot (= in that place) 在现(現)场(場) (zài xiànchǎng) (= immediately) 当(當)场(場) (dāngchǎng)
to be in a tight spot (inf) 处(處)于(於)困境中 (chǔyú kùnjìng zhōng)
to put sb on the spot使某人处(處)于(於)难(難)堪地位 (shǐ mǒurén chǔyú nánkān dìwèi)
All related terms of 'spot'
a spot of
( esp Brit : small amount : lunch, activity ) 少量 shǎoliàng
on the spot
( in that place ) 在现(現)场(場) zài xiànchǎng
to be in a tight spot
( inf ) 处(處)于(於)困境中 chǔyú kùnjìng zhōng
to put sb on the spot
使某人处(處)于(於)难(難)堪地位 shǐ mǒurén chǔyú nánkān dìwèi
to have a soft spot for sb
对(對)某人有好感 duì mǒurén yǒu hǎogǎn
1 (noun)
Definition
a small mark on a surface, which has a different colour or texture from its surroundings
The floorboards were covered with white spots.
Synonyms
mark
The dogs rub against the walls and make dirty marks.
stain
a black stain
speck
There is a speck of blood by his ear.
scar
He had a scar on his forehead.
flaw
The only flaw in his character is a short temper.
taint
blot
a blot on the reputation of the architectural profession
smudge
blemish
the blemish on his face
daub
Apply an extra daub of colour.
speckle
blotch
His face was covered in red blotches.
discoloration
She has a discoloration just below the lip.
2 (noun)
Definition
a small mark or pimple on the skin
Never squeeze blackheads, spots or pimples.
Synonyms
pimple
His face was covered with pimples.
blackhead
pustule
She had a large number of little pimples and pustules on her face.
zit (slang)
plook (Scottish)
swelling
acne
3 (noun)
Definition
a small amount
(informal British)
We've given all the club members tea, coffee and a spot of lunch.
Synonyms
bit
a bit of cake
little
Don't give me too much. Just a little.
drop
I'll have a drop of that milk.
bite
a bite to eat
splash
splashes of ink over a glowing white surface
small amount
tad
morsel
a delicious little morsel of meat
modicum
I like to think I've had a modicum of success.
4 (noun)
Definition
a location
They returned to the remote spot where they had left him.
Synonyms
place
the place where the temple actually stood
situation
The garden is in a beautiful situation.
site
the site of Moses' tomb
point
The town square is a popular meeting point for tourists.
position
The ship's position was reported to the coastguard.
scene
Riot vans were on the scene in minutes.
location
the city's newest luxury hotel has a beautiful location.
locality
Such a locality is popularly referred to as a `hot spot'.
5 (noun)
Definition
an awkward situation
(informal)
In a tight spot there is no one I would sooner see than Frank.
Synonyms
predicament
The decision will leave her in a predicament.
trouble
a charity that helps women in trouble with the law
difficulty
The main difficulty has been getting enough students to try out the scheme.
mess
I've got myself into a bit of a mess.
plight
the plight of Third World countries plagued by debts
hot water (informal)
quandary
The anonymous letter creates a quandary for the judge.
tight spot
1 (verb)
Definition
to see (something or someone) suddenly
He left the party seconds before smoke was spotted coming up the stairs.
Synonyms
see
I saw a man making his way towards me.
observe
In 1664 Hooke observed a reddish spot on the surface of the planet.
catch sight of
identify
I tried to identify her perfume.
sight
A fleet of ships was sighted in the North Sea.
recognize
The receptionist recognized him at once.
detect
He could detect a certain sadness in her face.
make out
pick out
discern
Under the bridge we could just discern a shadowy figure.
behold (archaic, literary)
The garden was a joy to behold.
espy
She espied him in the far distance.
descry
From the top of the hill I descried a solitary rider.
2 (verb)
Definition
to put stains or spots on (something)
a brown shoe spotted with paint
Synonyms
mark
How do you stop the horses marking the turf?
stain
Some foods can stain teeth, as of course can tea and coffee.
dot
Small coastal towns dotted the area.
soil
Young people don't want to do things that soil their hands.
dirty
He was afraid the dog's hairs might dirty the seats.
scar
He was scarred for life during a pub fight.
taint
Rancid oil will taint the flavour.
tarnish
It never rusts or tarnishes.
blot
Only one memorable slip-up has blotted his career.
fleck
patches of red paint which flecked her blouse
spatter
A delicious cold spray spattered my face.
sully
I felt loath to sully the gleaming brass knocker by handling it.
speckle
besmirch
Lawyers can besmirch reputations.
splodge
splotch
mottle
smirch
3 (verb)
Definition
to rain lightly
It starts to spot with rain.
Synonyms
spit
It will stop in a minute - it's only spitting.
drizzle
It was starting to drizzle.
rain lightly
idioms
See a soft spot for
See on the spot
Quotation
Out, damned spot! [William Shakespeare – Macbeth]
Additional synonyms
in the sense of behold
Definition
to look (at)
The garden was a joy to behold.
Synonyms
look at,
see,
view,
eye,
consider,
study,
watch,
check,
regard,
survey,
witness,
clock (British, slang),
examine,
observe,
perceive,
gaze,
scan,
contemplate,
check out (informal),
inspect,
discern,
eyeball (slang),
scrutinize,
recce (slang),
get a load of (informal),
take a gander at (informal),
take a dekko at (British, slang, old-fashioned),
feast your eyes upon
in the sense of besmirch
Definition
to tarnish (someone's name or reputation)
Lawyers can besmirch reputations.
Synonyms
tarnish,
damage,
soil,
stain,
smear,
taint,
blacken,
daub,
slander,
sully,
dishonour,
defame,
drag through the mud,
smirch
in the sense of bite
Definition
a snack
a bite to eat
Synonyms
snack,
food,
piece,
taste,
refreshment,
mouthful,
morsel,
titbit,
light meal
Synonyms of 'spot'
spot
Explore 'spot' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of blemish
Definition
a defect
the blemish on his face
Synonyms
mark,
line,
spot,
scratch,
bruise,
scar,
blur,
defect,
flaw,
blot,
smudge,
imperfection,
speck,
blotch,
disfigurement,
pock,
smirch
in the sense of blot
Definition
a stain on one's character
a blot on the reputation of the architectural profession
Synonyms
disgrace,
spot,
fault,
stain,
scar,
defect,
flaw,
taint,
blemish,
demerit,
smirch,
blot on your escutcheon
in the sense of blot
Definition
to cause a blemish in or on
Only one memorable slip-up has blotted his career.
Synonyms
stain,
mark,
spot,
spoil,
disgrace,
tarnish,
disfigure,
sully,
smirch
in the sense of blotch
Definition
an irregular spot or discoloration
His face was covered in red blotches.
Synonyms
mark,
spot,
patch,
splash,
stain,
blot,
smudge,
blemish,
splodge,
smirch,
smutch
in the sense of daub
Apply an extra daub of colour.
Synonyms
smear,
spot,
stain,
blot,
blotch,
splodge,
splotch,
smirch
in the sense of descry
Definition
to catch sight of
From the top of the hill I descried a solitary rider.
Synonyms
catch sight of,
see,
notice,
mark,
discover,
sight,
observe,
recognize,
distinguish,
perceive,
detect,
make out,
discern,
behold (archaic, literary),
espy,
spy out
in the sense of detect
Definition
to perceive or notice
He could detect a certain sadness in her face.
Synonyms
notice,
see,
spot,
catch,
note,
identify,
observe,
remark,
recognize,
distinguish,
perceive,
scent,
discern,
ascertain,
descry
in the sense of difficulty
Definition
an objection or obstacle
The main difficulty has been getting enough students to try out the scheme.
Synonyms
problem,
trouble,
obstacle,
hurdle,
dilemma,
hazard,
complication,
hassle (informal),
snag,
uphill (South Africa),
predicament,
pitfall,
stumbling block,
impediment,
hindrance,
tribulation,
quandary,
can of worms (informal),
point at issue,
disputed point
in the sense of dirty
Definition
to make dirty
He was afraid the dog's hairs might dirty the seats.
Synonyms
soil,
foul,
stain,
spoil,
smear,
muddy,
pollute,
blacken,
mess up,
smudge,
sully,
defile,
smirch,
begrime
in the sense of discern
Definition
to see or be aware of (something) clearly
Under the bridge we could just discern a shadowy figure.
Synonyms
see,
perceive,
make out,
notice,
observe,
recognize,
behold (archaic, literary),
catch sight of,
suss (out) (slang),
espy,
descry
Additional synonyms
in the sense of discoloration
She has a discoloration just below the lip.
Synonyms
stain,
mark,
spot,
patch,
blot,
blemish,
blotch,
splotch
in the sense of dot
Definition
to scatter or intersperse
Small coastal towns dotted the area.
Synonyms
spot,
cover,
spread over,
pepper,
scatter,
stud,
litter,
strew,
fleck,
speckle,
sprinkle,
dab,
dabble,
stipple
in the sense of drizzle
Definition
to rain lightly
It was starting to drizzle.
Synonyms
rain,
shower,
spit,
spray,
sprinkle,
mizzle (dialect),
spot or spit with rain
in the sense of drop
Definition
a small quantity of liquid
I'll have a drop of that milk.
Synonyms
dash,
shot (informal),
spot,
taste,
trace,
pinch,
sip,
tot,
trickle,
nip,
dab,
mouthful
in the sense of espy
Definition
to catch sight of
She espied him in the far distance.
Synonyms
catch sight of,
see,
discover,
spot,
notice,
sight,
observe,
spy,
perceive,
detect,
glimpse,
make out,
discern,
behold (archaic, literary),
catch a glimpse of,
descry
in the sense of flaw
Definition
an imperfection or blemish
The only flaw in his character is a short temper.
Synonyms
weakness,
failing,
defect,
weak spot,
spot,
fault,
scar,
blemish,
imperfection,
speck,
disfigurement,
chink in your armour
in the sense of fleck
Definition
to speckle
patches of red paint which flecked her blouse
Synonyms
speckle,
mark,
spot,
dust,
dot,
streak,
dapple,
stipple,
mottle,
variegate,
bespeckle,
besprinkle
in the sense of identify
Definition
to prove or recognize as being a certain person or thing
I tried to identify her perfume.
Synonyms
recognize,
place,
name,
remember,
spot,
label,
flag,
catalogue,
tag,
diagnose,
classify,
make out,
pinpoint,
recollect,
put your finger on (informal)
in the sense of little
Don't give me too much. Just a little.
Synonyms
bit,
touch,
spot (British),
trace,
hint,
dash,
particle,
fragment,
pinch,
small amount,
dab,
trifle,
tad (informal),
snippet,
speck,
modicum
in the sense of locality
Definition
the site or scene of an event
Such a locality is popularly referred to as a `hot spot'.
Synonyms
site,
place,
setting,
position,
spot,
scene,
location,
locale
Additional synonyms
in the sense of location
Definition
a site or position
the city's newest luxury hotel has a beautiful location.
Synonyms
place,
point,
setting,
position,
situation,
spot,
venue,
whereabouts,
locus,
locale
in the sense of mess
Definition
a confused and difficult situation
I've got myself into a bit of a mess.
Synonyms
difficulty,
dilemma,
plight,
spot (informal),
hole (informal),
fix (informal),
jam (informal),
hot water (informal),
stew (informal),
mix-up,
muddle,
pickle (informal),
uphill (South Africa),
predicament,
deep water,
perplexity,
tight spot,
imbroglio,
fine kettle of fish (informal)
in the sense of modicum
Definition
a small amount
I like to think I've had a modicum of success.
Synonyms
little,
bit,
drop,
touch,
inch,
scrap,
dash,
grain,
particle,
fragment,
atom,
pinch,
ounce,
shred,
small amount,
crumb,
tinge,
mite,
tad (informal),
speck,
iota
in the sense of morsel
Definition
a small piece of something, esp. of food
a delicious little morsel of meat
Synonyms
piece,
bite,
bit,
slice,
scrap,
part,
grain,
taste,
segment,
fragment,
fraction,
snack,
crumb,
nibble,
mouthful,
tad (informal),
titbit,
soupçon
in the sense of observe
Definition
to see or notice
In 1664 Hooke observed a reddish spot on the surface of the planet.
Synonyms
notice,
see,
note,
mark,
discover,
spot,
regard,
witness,
clock (British, slang),
distinguish,
perceive,
detect,
discern,
behold (archaic, literary),
eye,
eyeball (slang),
peer at,
espy,
get a load of (informal)
in the sense of plight
Definition
a dangerous or difficult situation
the plight of Third World countries plagued by debts
Synonyms
difficulty,
condition,
state,
situation,
trouble,
circumstances,
dilemma,
straits,
predicament,
extremity,
perplexity
in the sense of point
Definition
a location or position
The town square is a popular meeting point for tourists.
Synonyms
place,
area,
position,
station,
site,
spot,
location,
locality,
locale
in the sense of position
Definition
place or location
The ship's position was reported to the coastguard.
Synonyms
location,
place,
point,
area,
post,
situation,
station,
site,
spot,
bearings,
reference,
orientation,
whereabouts,
locality,
locale
in the sense of pustule
Definition
a small inflamed raised area of skin containing pus
She had a large number of little pimples and pustules on her face.
Synonyms
boil,
spot,
gathering (informal),
blister,
ulcer,
fester,
pimple,
abscess,
zit (slang)
in the sense of quandary
Definition
a situation in which it is difficult to decide what to do
The anonymous letter creates a quandary for the judge.
Synonyms
difficulty,
dilemma,
predicament,
puzzle,
uncertainty,
embarrassment,
plight,
strait,
impasse,
bewilderment,
perplexity,
delicate situation,
cleft stick
Additional synonyms
in the sense of recognize
Definition
to identify (a person or thing) as someone or something already known
The receptionist recognized him at once.
Synonyms
identify,
know,
place,
remember,
spot,
notice,
recall,
make out,
recollect,
know again,
put your finger on
in the sense of scar
Definition
a mark left on the skin following the healing of a wound
He had a scar on his forehead.
Synonyms
mark,
injury,
wound,
trauma,
blemish,
discoloration,
pockmark,
naevus,
cicatrix
in the sense of scar
Definition
to mark or become marked with a scar
He was scarred for life during a pub fight.
Synonyms
mark,
disfigure,
damage,
brand,
mar,
mutilate,
maim,
blemish,
deface,
traumatize,
disfeature
in the sense of scene
Definition
the place where an action or event, real or imaginary, occurs
Riot vans were on the scene in minutes.
Synonyms
site,
place,
setting,
area,
position,
stage,
situation,
spot,
whereabouts,
locality
in the sense of sight
Definition
to see (someone or something) briefly or suddenly
A fleet of ships was sighted in the North Sea.
Synonyms
spot,
see,
observe,
notice,
distinguish,
perceive,
make out,
discern,
behold (archaic, literary)
in the sense of site
Definition
the piece of ground where something was, is, or is intended to be located
the site of Moses' tomb
Synonyms
location,
place,
setting,
point,
position,
situation,
spot,
whereabouts,
locus
in the sense of situation
Definition
location and surroundings
The garden is in a beautiful situation.
Synonyms
location,
place,
setting,
position,
seat,
site,
spot,
locality,
locale
in the sense of soil
Definition
to make or become dirty or stained
Young people don't want to do things that soil their hands.
Synonyms
dirty,
foul,
stain,
smear,
muddy,
pollute,
tarnish,
spatter,
sully,
defile,
besmirch,
smirch,
maculate (literary),
bedraggle,
befoul,
begrime
in the sense of spatter
Definition
to sprinkle (an object or a surface) with a liquid
A delicious cold spray spattered my face.
Synonyms
splash,
spray,
sprinkle,
soil,
dirty,
scatter,
daub,
speckle,
splodge,
bespatter,
bestrew
in the sense of speck
Definition
a very small mark or spot
There is a speck of blood by his ear.
Synonyms
mark,
spot,
dot,
stain,
blot,
fleck,
speckle,
mote
Additional synonyms
in the sense of splash
splashes of ink over a glowing white surface
Synonyms
blob,
spot,
smudge,
stain,
smear,
fleck,
speck
in the sense of stain
Definition
a mark or discoloration that is not easily removed
a black stain
Synonyms
mark,
spot,
blot,
blemish,
discoloration,
smirch
in the sense of stain
Definition
to discolour (something) with marks that are not easily removed
Some foods can stain teeth, as of course can tea and coffee.
Synonyms
mark,
soil,
discolour,
dirty,
tarnish,
tinge,
spot,
blot,
blemish,
smirch
in the sense of sully
Definition
to spoil or make dirty
I felt loath to sully the gleaming brass knocker by handling it.
Synonyms
defile,
dirty,
stain,
spot,
spoil,
contaminate,
pollute,
taint,
tarnish,
blemish,
befoul
in the sense of taint
Definition
a defect or flaw
Synonyms
stain,
spot,
fault,
defect,
smear,
flaw,
blot,
blemish,
black mark,
demerit,
smirch
in the sense of taint
Definition
to spoil or contaminate by an undesirable quality
Rancid oil will taint the flavour.
Synonyms
spoil,
ruin,
contaminate,
damage,
soil,
dirty,
poison,
foul,
infect,
stain,
corrupt,
smear,
muddy,
pollute,
blight,
tarnish,
blot,
blemish,
sully,
defile,
adulterate,
besmirch,
vitiate,
smirch
in the sense of tarnish
Definition
(of a metal) to become stained or less bright, esp. by exposure to air or moisture
It never rusts or tarnishes.
Synonyms
stain,
dull,
discolour,
spot,
soil,
dim,
rust,
darken,
blot,
blemish,
befoul,
lose lustre or shine
in the sense of trouble
a charity that helps women in trouble with the law