1
as in dispersion
an act or process in which something scatters or is scattered
the scattering of the protesters suddenly turned violent and chaotic
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in handful
a small number
a scattering of people in the mostly empty theater
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in dispersing
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
2
as in spraying
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 dissipating
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of scattering
Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 2025
Mountfield, 62, responded by questioning, with a scattering of expletives, who Fernandes even was.
—Laurie Whitwell, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Dec. 2024
Cluster artillery popped open, scattering scores of lethal submunitions.
—David Axe, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for scattering
Noun
The music portion of the long-running Austin, Texas festival got started with a scattering of big and small shows around town as evening fell on March 11.
—Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 2025
Mountfield, 62, responded by questioning, with a scattering of expletives, who Fernandes even was.
—Laurie Whitwell, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
Verb
When preparing your impressive dessert spread this holiday season, consider scattering in a few of these limited-time cookies to add a touch of color to your platter.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Dec. 2024
Cluster artillery popped open, scattering scores of lethal submunitions.
—David Axe, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for scattering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scattering
Noun
-
Look for an even wider dispersion than usual in these projections.—
Neil Irwin,
Axios,
18 Mar. 2025
-
That index, constructed by academics, reflects newspaper reports about government policy, expiring tax code provisions and dispersion of economic forecasts.—
Simon Moore,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Nabulsi’s inter-generational drama is carefully composed, though the movie’s other subplots (concerning its handful of American and British characters) tend to be more stilted.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
11 Apr. 2025
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As ever, though, the gains are far from uniform, and a handful of states continue to account for an oversized share of the carnage.—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Safety-net programs Programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants and Children (WIC) will continue dispersing aid during a shutdown.—
Brian Bennett,
TIME,
20 Dec. 2024
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Try making your own candles, or dispersing the scent with essential oils or a stovetop simmer pot.—
Halee Miller Van Ryswyk,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Even if the idea of $5,000 stimulus checks evolves, Congress would need to approve a dispersal of funds to taxpayers.—
Mike Snider,
USA TODAY,
23 Feb. 2025
-
High-altitude dispersal of ash and sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere led to optical phenomena around the globe.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes,
8 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The couple met shortly after college and bonded over their love of basketball.—
Samantha Stutsman,
People.com,
6 Apr. 2025
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The couple said these U.S. destinations are must-see spots.—
Ashley J. DiMella Fox News,
FOXNews.com,
5 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The inquiry into their use came during a 2023 dispute between the city and the Crane Boulevard Safety Coalition, which stumbled on the disappearing messages after the city approved the construction of a home in Mount Washington.—
Barnini Chakraborty,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
23 Dec. 2024
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Attorneys for the coalition learned about the disappearing messages through the lawsuit’s discovery process.—
Tony Barboza,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
In spectroscopy, a substance either absorbs or scatters light, depending on how its molecules vibrate.—
Ambuj Tewari,
The Conversation,
6 Mar. 2025
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Further, bonus spins, scatters and wild symbols will give you a winning edge during gameplay.—
Matthew Gover,
Miami Herald,
6 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
This liquid exfoliant penetrates deep into the pores, dissolving the buildup of excess oil and dead skin cells, which helps to prevent clogged pores and breakouts because, yes, acne can still be an issue as you age.—
Jordan Galloway,
SELF,
3 Jan. 2025
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The president of the United States was mentally collapsing, and nobody outside of conservative dissidents wanted to talk about it until Joe Biden forced the matter upon us all by dissolving in public.—
The Editors,
National Review,
3 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Scattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scattering. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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