1
as in fleck
a small area that is different (as in color) from the main part
a lizard with specks of white against a green body
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2
as in glimmer
a very small amount
not a speck of explanation to accompany the book's pictures
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in particle
a very small piece
a speck of dust was preventing the laser from reading the disc
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to sprinkle
to mark with small spots especially unevenly
dirt that had specked the windows of the factory for ages
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of speck
Terence Musho, The Conversation, 28 May 2025
Maxine was a once little bitty speck of a thing who had a pretty rough start in life.
—Tj MacIas, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2025
Brian Lowry, CNN, 19 Apr. 2018
To get into the spirit, order a ginger beer and rock shrimp fritters, fried balls of doughy goodness specked with bell pepper and spices that come steaming hot with a side of spicy mayo.
—Mark Kurlyandchik, Detroit Free Press, 12 Feb. 2018
See All Example Sentences for speck
Noun
This causes the carbon to react with the tiny specks of critical materials.
—Terence Musho, The Conversation, 28 May 2025
Maxine was a once little bitty speck of a thing who had a pretty rough start in life.
—Tj MacIas, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2025
Verb
For all its strengths, though, the series proves a bit of a slog, at times, as the wheels turn along the dusty, blood-specked road to wherever this maze leads.
—Brian Lowry, CNN, 19 Apr. 2018
To get into the spirit, order a ginger beer and rock shrimp fritters, fried balls of doughy goodness specked with bell pepper and spices that come steaming hot with a side of spicy mayo.
—Mark Kurlyandchik, Detroit Free Press, 12 Feb. 2018
See All Example Sentences for speck
Recent Examples of Synonyms for speck
Noun
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In any case, there are sure to be at least a few flecks of moss or lichen, gray or gray-green, on that side.—
Ted Updike,
Outdoor Life,
22 May 2025
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The workmanship shows in the color and precision of the grout, the mottling of dark flecks, and the triangular pieces where the arches meet — details that give the façade a subliminal liveliness.—
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
5 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Despite the serious nature of the diagnosis, Ospreay offered a glimmer of hope.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 July 2025
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In the past year, there was a little glimmer of recovery: Earnings were up about 22% on a 2.7% revenue increase.—
John Dorfman,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Noun
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Wildfire smoke particles, which are called PM2.5, are especially dangerous for children, older adults, pregnant people and those with heart or respiratory conditions.—
Maia Pandey,
jsonline.com,
24 July 2025
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Insects are ever at risk of being caught by it, as are particles, like pollen, traveling through the air.—
Ian Rose,
JSTOR Daily,
23 July 2025
Verb
-
Swap the bananas for berries or apple slices and sprinkle with cinnamon for a flavor change.—
Morgan Pearson,
Verywell Health,
25 July 2025
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House said one of her family’s favorite fiber-rich snacks is in-the-shell edamame that is steamed or microwaved and sprinkled with salt.—
Lauren Manaker MS,
Health,
24 July 2025
Noun
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The loaches are generally brown and yellow, with saddle-like blotches along their backs, according to the study.—
Irene Wright
July 9,
Miami Herald,
9 July 2025
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It’s usually identified by its white, fleshy taproot with reddish spots that resemble a parsnip, along with hollow stems marked by small purple blotches, according to the N.C. State Extension.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
27 May 2025
Noun
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To prevent the shreds from clumping, anti-caking agents like cellulose (a plant fiber made from wood pulp) and potato starch are often added, which can steal moisture from the cheese, affecting its texture.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
23 July 2025
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Northwestern’s leadership chooses not to afford the members of its community a shred of respect.—
Luis A. Nunes Amaral,
Chicago Tribune,
24 June 2025
Noun
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The Martin County Sheriff’s Office says while the couple was waist deep in the water with their dog, an alligator bit the hand and wrist of the woman and dragged her under the water.—
Gershon Harrell,
Sun Sentinel,
24 July 2025
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While a headboard may seem like a small design detail in your overall bedroom layout, a little bit of creativity can make a big impact.—
Rebecca Shinners,
Architectural Digest,
24 July 2025
Verb
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The Jags traded a haul of picks to the Cleveland Browns to move up to No. 2 for two-way sensation Travis Hunter, effectively dotting the exclamation point on the new regime’s bold offseason.—
Jeff Howe,
New York Times,
24 July 2025
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Freudenberger was inspired by the Central Coast’s unique ecosystem, which is dotted with Monterey pines, cypress trees, and tide pools.—
Mae Hamilton,
AFAR Media,
23 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Speck.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/speck. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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