on the spot

phrase

Synonyms of on the spotnext
1
: at once : immediately
was hired on the spot
2
: at the place of action
a reporter who was on the spot
3
a
: in a responsible or accountable position
The coach was put on the spot for the team's latest loss.
b
: in a difficult or trying situation
The unexpected question put me on the spot.

Examples of on the spot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But detectives were able to create a montage from nearby traffic and surveillance cameras that showed both Sellars and Wathrust converging on the spot — Sellars walking and Walthrust driving — where Wathrust was found shot multiple times in his car. — Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026 Several Charlotte restaurants are stepping in with affordable family meals, ranging from $25 to $140 depending on the spot and headcount. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 24 Aug. 2026 But, just like any live theatrical event, even their best attempts at pre-planning were no match for reality and a lot of improvisation had to be done on the spot. — Whitney Friedlander, Variety, 22 Aug. 2026 If that were the case, the piece would have been killed on the spot, not passed through the hands of multiple editors over several days. — Matt Calkins Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for on the spot

Rhymes for on the spot

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Browse Nearby Words

on the spectrum
on the spot
on the spur of the moment
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“On the spot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20spot. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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