1
as in spraying
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 sprinkling
to mark with small spots especially unevenly
spilled flour peppered the kitchen floor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of peppering
The Goldeneyes were the dominant side to start, peppering Osborne with shots early and outshooting the visitors 12-5 in the first period, but struggled to handle New York’s push in the second.
—
ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
Dover-Sherborn/Weston came out with a major spark to start the third down 4-1, peppering Tigers goalie Jacob Dangel with eight shots in the first three minutes.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 8 Mar. 2026
The Portland Timbers came calling in January, and kept peppering Colorado’s front office with offers, according to Bassett.
—Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 1 Mar. 2026
With members of Congress still peppering the country and globe, the likelihood of bringing a swift resolution to the funding impasse is low.
—Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026
All of the familiar tropes are there, from the numerous pop songs peppering the action (including one by Phil Collins, just to remind you of Miami Vice) to the profane banter between the two main characters to the endless fights, shootouts and chases to the colorful villain.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 26 Jan. 2026
The Hirons spent most of Christmas Eve peppering the area around 119th and Mission Road with signs.
—Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 17 Jan. 2026
Factor in Rodgers' league-leading time-to-throw abilities, and defenses don't have time to be as exotic, which enables the Steelers to methodically drive down the field, often by peppering their running backs near the line of scrimmage.
—Austin Mock, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
But their decision won't be made before peppering the final three with questions at the final Tribal Council.
—Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Dec. 2025
ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
Dover-Sherborn/Weston came out with a major spark to start the third down 4-1, peppering Tigers goalie Jacob Dangel with eight shots in the first three minutes.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 8 Mar. 2026
The Portland Timbers came calling in January, and kept peppering Colorado’s front office with offers, according to Bassett.
—Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 1 Mar. 2026
With members of Congress still peppering the country and globe, the likelihood of bringing a swift resolution to the funding impasse is low.
—Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026
All of the familiar tropes are there, from the numerous pop songs peppering the action (including one by Phil Collins, just to remind you of Miami Vice) to the profane banter between the two main characters to the endless fights, shootouts and chases to the colorful villain.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 26 Jan. 2026
The Hirons spent most of Christmas Eve peppering the area around 119th and Mission Road with signs.
—Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 17 Jan. 2026
Factor in Rodgers' league-leading time-to-throw abilities, and defenses don't have time to be as exotic, which enables the Steelers to methodically drive down the field, often by peppering their running backs near the line of scrimmage.
—Austin Mock, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
But their decision won't be made before peppering the final three with questions at the final Tribal Council.
—Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peppering
Verb
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Stults recommends vacuuming first, wiping with a paper towel, then spraying and wiping with a cleaner.—
Alora Bopray,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Both experts suggest tackling odors with white vinegar, too, either while cleaning or spraying it in the air.—
Lori Keong,
Architectural Digest,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Neutralize Trash Can Odors Cut odors from the kitchen trash by periodically sprinkling baking soda in as waste accumulates.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
15 Mar. 2026
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For instance, sprinkling cinnamon around entry points while also using a vinegar spray can help create a double barrier against ants attempting to infiltrate your home.—
Alexandra Kelly,
Martha Stewart,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The mention of Good and Pretti in the lyrics triggered a roar from the crowd, already dotting the arena with phones lights.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
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Depending on how late winter goes, the Meriden Daffodil Festival on May 2 and 3 may not be bursting with fresh daffodils dotting the historic Hubbard Park.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
29 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Peppering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peppering. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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