pepper

verb

Definition of peppernext
1
as in to spray
to cover by or as if by scattering something over or on pepper the costume with flecks of glitter

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to sprinkle
to mark with small spots especially unevenly spilled flour peppered the kitchen floor

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 pepper The social media post opens with Kardashian standing behind a podium at a mock press conference as reporters pepper her with questions about her seemingly endless energy. — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 24 July 2026 Lacy, who is famously fluid in his sexuality and laughs off any attempt to define it, peppers his songs with dreams of men and women, of wanting each yet leaving everyone. — Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026 The world’s already richest clubs pepper the top of the list — Barcelona, second four years ago, are also second in our estimate — which stands to reason given it is their players who are most likely to feature on the world stage. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 21 July 2026 Sankey peppered his opening remarks with the league’s stance on Congressional involvement in college football, and his belief that the NIL field is in desperate need of transparency. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for pepper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pepper
  1. spray
  2. sprinkle
  3. dot
Verb
  • No blood was visible, but one area glowed after being sprayed with Bluestar.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2026
  • One award-winning work used chalk powder mixed in water sprayed a la Jackson Pollock.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 July 2026
Definition of spray
Verb
  • For a glossy, sparkly finish, brush the edges of the pastry with egg wash and sprinkle all over with Turbinado sugar before baking.
    — Torie Cox, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2026
  • One of the surprises aboard Beyond was the enviable art sprinkled throughout every nook and cranny.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
Definition of sprinkle
Verb
  • The white sand beach, dotted with blue-and-white striped cabanas (in the center part of the bay), stretches for a generous eight kilometers.
    — Catherine Sabino, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • The backstory There are countless historic military forts dotting the islands of Casco Bay, but Fort Scammel on House Island is the only one to have ever seen combat.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
Definition of dot

Browse Nearby Words

pepped (up)
pepper
peppered
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pepper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pepper. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pepper

Nglish: Translation of pepper for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pepper

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