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
Julie Orringer,
Travel + Leisure,
9 June 2026
But a scattering of anglers is convinced that flavoring bait with tobacco is a sure-enough killer.
—
Byron W. Dalrymple,
Outdoor Life,
4 June 2026
Kansas City Star,
27 June 2026
Watching Nadav tear into his first-ever Parisian croissant at breakfast that first morning, golden flakes scattering everywhere, I was reminded that discovering a city isn’t reserved for first visits.
—
Alisha Prakash,
Travel + Leisure,
27 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for scattering
Noun
On the east side of the highway stood a scattering of temporary shelters in primary colors.
—
Julie Orringer,
Travel + Leisure,
9 June 2026
But a scattering of anglers is convinced that flavoring bait with tobacco is a sure-enough killer.
—
Byron W. Dalrymple,
Outdoor Life,
4 June 2026
Verb
Wacha allowed one run in Saturday’s 2-1 loss at the Chicago White Sox, scattering five hits while striking out seven batters.
—
Kansas City Star,
27 June 2026
Watching Nadav tear into his first-ever Parisian croissant at breakfast that first morning, golden flakes scattering everywhere, I was reminded that discovering a city isn’t reserved for first visits.
—
Alisha Prakash,
Travel + Leisure,
27 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for scattering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scattering
Noun
-
Their image quality is further enhanced by the inclusion of Canon’s proprietary UD (ultra-low dispersion) lens elements and Super Spectra coating.
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Since April 2026, world stock market return dispersion has hit levels not seen since the peak of the dotcom bubble.
Noun
-
That surge in imports was led largely by a handful of major manufacturing hubs.
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After the first handful of knockout-stage matches, there are five African nations remaining.
Verb
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After waiting hours in the sweltering heat before the wedding to see the A-list guests arrive, faithful Swifties are finally dispersing after news the couple officially tied the knot.
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For driveways, porches, and patios, use a shop vac or a broom and dustpan to get rid of them without dispersing them around your yard.
Verb
-
People try to cool down by standing in front of a mister spraying cool water during a heat wave in Rome near the Colosseum on June 26, 2026.
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Sprinklers started spraying on the field just before the game got underway again and some players deliberately dosed themselves, a solid strategy considering the conditions.
Verb
-
Cristina dumped rain across Central America late last week before dissipating.
-
Worries are accelerating that the burst of inflation is broadening, as the jump in oil prices starts to spread through the economy and raise expectations that inflation isn’t dissipating anytime soon.
Noun
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The Israeli military told NPR that during an operation in Nablus, Palestinians had thrown rocks at the soldiers who responded with what the military called crowd-dispersal measures and later with live fire.
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These sweet fruits attract birds and other animals in the summer, which encourages seed dispersal and the rapid spread of the plants through their feces.
Noun
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At a red light, he’s gunned down by a couple of guys on a dirtbike.
-
That happened a couple more times.
Verb
-
For rust or grease stains, try sprinkling baking soda directly on the spot, then scrubbing with a vinegar and water solution.
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During Tuesday’s practice, which was the first of three on-field sessions this week, the Dolphins opened up the play-action game during the first 11-on-11 period by sprinkling in some running plays.
Cite this Entry
“Scattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scattering. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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