scatter 1 of 2

Definition of scatternext

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

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
Israel's military says Iran is firing cluster bombs that can evade some air defenses and scatter submunitions across multiple locations. Arkansas Online, 16 Mar. 2026 Israel’s military says Iran is firing cluster bombs that can evade some air defenses and scatter submunitions across multiple locations. Dallas Morning News, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
Senior left-hander JJ Manos struck out six while scattered three hits and a walk for the Crusaders (4-4). Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026 More than a dozen robots and creatures are scattered on a pink carpet. Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scatter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scatter
Noun
  • The opening 45-minute outburst was the third time in MLS that LAFC (5-0-1, 16 points) scored a handful of goals in a half.
    Josh Gross, Daily News, 5 Apr. 2026
  • The Democrat and his wife, Patricia Villaraigosa, paid taxes in a handful of states, including Arizona, Maryland, New Mexico and Virginia.
    Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In addition, unlike some carbon removal strategies that rely on transporting and dispersing large quantities of crushed rock, this method operates entirely on-site.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026
  • An electro-osmotic pump (a device that disperses liquids with electrical force) controls the fragrance delivery precisely, ensuring steady scent production with minimal timing gaps.
    Shirl Leigh March 31, New Atlas, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Still, slather or spray yourself with plenty of repellent (there’s a natural one provided in your room) and make sure to close the mosquito nets around your bed at night.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Turn the hose on and spray down the spout.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The whir of an ambulance rose and dissipated, leaving behind the hum of rolling traffic.
    Danielle Parker, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Thick, fluffy clouds that had been surrounding the launch pad have mostly dissipated.
    Charlie Gile, NBC news, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The season starts with 16 single contestants, and the last couple standing not only leaves the boat with a new boo, but gets a $100,000 trip around the world.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Those who knew the couple told the Herald there were no glaring red flags.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • After the mac and cheese bakes for 15 minutes, a crisp and tasty topping is sprinkled on top, adding a welcome texture contrast.
    Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Nature design motifs are sprinkled throughout the dining room, such as redwood paneling bearing carvings of a redwood tree and a topography map of Kirkwood Mountain, where the Riches like to ski.
    Cesar Hernandez, San Francisco Chronicle, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The deputy gang narrative was a political campaign created to discredit my administration, never used during the McDonnell era, and mysteriously disappeared during the current administration.
    Opinion Staff, Daily News, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Predators disappeared, resulting in an explosion in deer, further degrading the woodlands and peatlands.
    Jen Murphy, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Depending on how late winter goes, the Meriden Daffodil Festival on May 2 and 3 may not be bursting with fresh daffodils dotting the historic Hubbard Park.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Rooms Twenty-four one- and two-bedroom tents are fronted by a winding lagoon dotted with lily pads and bordered by tropical greenery.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Scatter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scatter. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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