scatter 1 of 2

scatter

2 of 2

verb

1
2
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

3
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
Science says there's a reason When the moon moves into the inner part of Earth's shadow, or umbra, some of the sunlight entering Earth's skies scatters before reaching the moon's surface, according to NASA. Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 5 June 2024 When the moon moves into the inner part of Earth's shadow, or umbra, according to NASA, some of the sunlight entering Earth's skies scatters before reaching the moon's surface. Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 27 Dec. 2024
Verb
Nearby stars exploding as supernovae relatively recently could scatter it over Earth. Michael Irving, New Atlas, 2 Mar. 2025 An prescription bottle that appeared to be open and pills were found scattered on a countertop near Arakawa's body, the affidavit said. Ayana Archie, NPR, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scatter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scatter
Noun
  • Paris has mastered a handful of signature cuts — think French bobs, effortlessly perfect fringes, and long, layered styles.
    Jacqueline Kilikita, refinery29.com, 5 Mar. 2025
  • The Grandview police and fire departments have a handful of remaining chaplains who are not associated with IHOPKC, Poindexter said.
    Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Zoom in: The Biden EPA had fully obligated and begun dispersing that money, which officials believed protected it from outright Republican repeal efforts via reconciliation.
    Nick Sobczyk, Axios, 12 Mar. 2025
  • This inflationary period, begun by the Big Bang, continued, and the universe dispersed and cooled.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • So, if the water pressure suddenly drops off and the sprinklers no longer spray as far as usual, this is a sign that there might be a blockage in the system.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2025
  • The blaze is seemingly just outside of a building, and firefighters' hoses can be seen spraying the plane to put out the fire.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 9 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The mixture of euphoria and sheer relief quickly dissipated into the evening air when the Aztecs learned their charter plane home had a mechanical issue that would take several hours to repair.
    Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2025
  • So, the researchers have theorized that a super-heated ash cloud that dissipated quickly was actually the first event in the Vesuvius cataclysm.
    Michael Franco, New Atlas, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • This is a primary example of love winning–congratulations to the couple!
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Tickets to the event start at $10,000 per couple, rising to $100,000 per couple for event chairs, per an invite.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • If desired, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top for an extra flavor kick.
    Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Inside, you’re greeted by a massive vintage armoire; several more candelabras are sprinkled throughout.
    Michael Cuby, Them, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Potato Cakes were replaced by crinkle fries in 2021, then briefly rejoined Arby’s menu in July 2024, but once again disappeared—resulting in an outcry from fans on social media.
    Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2025
  • While these items are disappearing, Starbucks customers can still create similar beverages through custom orders.
    Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Blackened vegetation dotted the hillsides rising above Pacific Coast Highway.
    Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Graffiti, street stickers, and paintings dot the streets, suggesting that millions of Berliners bike through an invisible Fourth Reich that is rising all around them.
    Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Scatter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scatter. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

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