SCATTER Synonyms: 123 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'scatter' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of scatter are dispel , disperse , and dissipate . While all these words mean "to cause to separate or break up," scatter implies a force that drives parts or units irregularly in many directions. // the bowling ball scattered the pins

Q: When could 'dispel' be used to replace 'scatter'?

The meanings of dispel and scatter largely overlap; however, dispel stresses a driving away or getting rid of as if by scattering. // an authoritative statement that dispelled all doubt

Q: In what contexts can 'disperse' take the place of 'scatter'?

The words disperse and scatter are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, disperse implies a wider separation and a complete breaking up of a mass or group. // police dispersed the crowd

Q: Where would 'dissipate' be a reasonable alternative to 'scatter'?

In some situations, the words dissipate and scatter are roughly equivalent. However, dissipate stresses complete disintegration or dissolution and final disappearance. // the fog was dissipated by the morning sun

scatter 1 of 2

noun

Definition of scatter next

as in handful

a small number played before only a scatter of spectators in that huge stadium

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

scatter

2 of 2

verb

ˈska-tər

as in to disperse

to cause (members of a group) to move widely apart the noise of the backfiring car scattered the pigeons

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to spray

to cover by or as if by scattering something over or on the hillside was scattered with boulders deposited by the last ice age

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to dissipate

to go off in different directions and cease to exist as a body or unified whole these drunken revelers will quickly scatter when the police arrive

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb scatter differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of scatter are dispel, disperse, and dissipate. While all these words mean "to cause to separate or break up," scatter implies a force that drives parts or units irregularly in many directions.

the bowling ball scattered the pins

When could dispel be used to replace scatter?

The meanings of dispel and scatter largely overlap; however, dispel stresses a driving away or getting rid of as if by scattering.

an authoritative statement that dispelled all doubt

In what contexts can disperse take the place of scatter?

The words disperse and scatter are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, disperse implies a wider separation and a complete breaking up of a mass or group.

police dispersed the crowd

Where would dissipate be a reasonable alternative to scatter?

In some situations, the words dissipate and scatter are roughly equivalent. However, dissipate stresses complete disintegration or dissolution and final disappearance.

the fog was dissipated by the morning sun

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 scatter

Noun

In other words, if the Olympics continue to match the guarantees NBC made to its advertisers, the units that were reserved for make-goods can be sold in scatter. —

Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 27 July 2024 Earth's atmosphere also bends and scatters sunlight, filtering out most of the blue light and allowing the red hues to reach the Moon's surface. —

Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 11 Sep. 2024

Verb

Most of these scenes were—and remain—amputated, disfigured, and scattered. —

Ralph Leonard, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2025 El Cielo Resort Evocative of romantic villas scattered across the Tuscan countryside, El Cielo Resort is a dreamy, romantic escape surrounded by rolling vineyards. —

Travel + Leisure Staff, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for scatter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scatter

Noun

Their list of alumnae dwarfs that of many professional clubs: Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly, Heather O’Reilly, Tobin Heath, Lucy Bronze, Crystal Dunn, Alessia Russo and Emily Fox, to name just a handful.

— Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
Our luxurious experience was markedly different from that of the handful of people who, despite the incredibly challenging climate southwestern Tasmania is known for, once managed to eke out a living in this region.

— Justin Meneguzzi, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2025