spraying

verb

present participle of spray
as in sprinkling
to cover by or as if by scattering something over or on sprayed the lawn with pesticides

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 spraying The utility has spent $96 million since 2010 to restore forests in this region, including spraying some pines in hopes of protecting them from infestation, said Madelene McDonald, its watershed planning manager. — Jennifer Oldham, Denver Post, 8 Oct. 2026 Workers could be seen spraying material on two sections of the pool’s interior. — Maura Judkis, Washington Post, 7 Oct. 2026 The current outbreak is centered just north of Tampa, and workers have been spraying to kill mosquitoes. — Mike Stobbe, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026 Pinellas County crews have been going door to door and spraying areas with high mosquito presence, according to local ABC News affiliate WFTS. — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026 Sprinkle some baking soda throughout the tub before spraying hydrogen peroxide over it until the entire tub is damp. — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 29 Sep. 2026 Shields suggests using Scrubbing Bubbles Mega Shower Foamer and spraying it evenly from top to bottom. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2026 Apply the vinegar by spraying it directly onto the surface or by dipping a microfiber cloth into the solution, wringing it out, and wiping the appliance. — Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2026 The firefighters immediately began spraying the vessel and brought the fire under control before the flames could spread to boats docked nearby and the surrounding properties, department spokeswoman Sandra King said in a statement. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spraying
  1. sprinkling
  2. dotting
  3. peppering
Verb
  • This means there’s lots of ways to add them to your diet, including blending ground flaxseed into smoothies or sprinkling whole flaxseeds on top of oatmeal.
    — Mark Gurarie, HEALTH, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Imagine sprinkling Cool Ranch Dorito seasoning on giant Fritos.
    — Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of sprinkling
Verb
  • Some were obvious, like Lucia Pieroni’s crafty crystals dotting eyes at Celine and silver-leaf foreheads by makeup artist Fara Homidi at Gabriela Hearst.
    — Arden Fanning Andrews, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026
  • While timber and bountiful harvests may not seem to have anything to do with the planes dotting Atlanta’s skies, a new coalition sees potential in connecting the two.
    — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of dotting
Verb
  • Noe was eager to nerd out about songwriting and records, peppering the conversation with praise for everyone from the Ohio indie band Wussy to the country singer Ashley McBryde.
    — Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 29 Sep. 2026
  • In 2016, the duo then cofounded Monse, the luxury American fashion brand known for reworking masculine staples and peppering in cool girl femininity.
    — WWD Staff, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of peppering

Browse Nearby Words

sprayed
spraying
sprays
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Cite this Entry

“Spraying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spraying. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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