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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of speck
Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2025
In a unique experiment, researchers used an ultra-bright X-ray beam at the Advanced Photon Source in the US to peer inside a speck of stainless steel (roughly 700 nanometres in diameter).
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 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
For instance, the new findings suggest the green-toned specks in muddy clay found in the outcrop could contain the mineral vivianite, which the News and Views authors say can specifically shed light on certain kinds of redox reactions that may have taken place on Mars.
—Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2025
In a unique experiment, researchers used an ultra-bright X-ray beam at the Advanced Photon Source in the US to peer inside a speck of stainless steel (roughly 700 nanometres in diameter).
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 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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This uncanny coincidence — that the Earth’s radiation lines up with the energies of carbon dioxide’s mixed vibrational/rotational quantum state — is how this tiny trace of molecules, mere flecks in the air, completely dominates our climate.—
Joseph Howlett,
Quanta Magazine,
15 Sep. 2025
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Its black and white or brown flecks convey a fresh, modern feel that's ideal for breaking away from the tyranny of basics.—
María Munsuri,
Glamour,
24 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The mid-quarter update offered a glimmer of hope after Six Flags’ disastrous second quarter earnings report in August.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Almost certainly out this week also is injured receiver Xavier Worthy (shoulder), who provided most of the scant glimmers of hope in the Super Bowl with eight catches for 157 yards and two touchdowns.—
Vahe Gregorian,
Kansas City Star,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
These particles carry proteins and compounds that help cells heal and communicate with each other.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Remove Dirt And Debris The first step in cleaning your baseboards is to dust and vacuum them to remove any debris and dust particles.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The menu shifts between Spanish, Greek and Italian influences, with dishes such as classic caviar and jamón Ibérico croquetas sprinkled with gold leaf, and sea bass, hamachi and salmon crudi prepared lightly and vibrantly.—
Melinda Sheckells,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
-
To top it off, slather with cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with pecans.—
Patricia S York,
Southern Living,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Gopher snakes tend to be tan-colored with large square brown blotches or saddles along their backs and smaller gray spots on their sides.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
28 Aug. 2025
-
The baby was purple-gray-colored, in blotches; wet, smeared in blood and what looked like whitish wax.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 July 2025
Noun
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Its juicy pork filling is supplemented by lightly sweet vermicelli noodles and crunchy carrot shreds.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Many folks are familiar with a version of this that includes grapes, but usually the chicken is cut or chopped into more distinct pieces or shreds.—
Ann Taylor Pittman,
Southern Living,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The slap bet between Marshall and Barney remained one of the longest-running — and fan-favorite — bits throughout the entirety of the series.—
Francesca Gariano,
PEOPLE,
19 Sep. 2025
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For weeks, with every new bit of evidence that corporations were failing at AI adoption, fears of an AI bubble have intensified, fueled by the realization of just how topheavy the S&P 500 has grown, along with warnings from top industry leaders.—
Lily Mae Lazarus,
Fortune,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
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While there is no ocean view, the rolling hills dotted with flora are beautiful.—
Moira McCarthy,
Boston Herald,
11 Sep. 2025
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Along Spain’s northern coast lies a path dotted with small villages and undisturbed landscapes.—
Hayley Domin,
AFAR Media,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Speck.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/speck. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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