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
K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 18 Mar. 2026
About two and a half miles off the coast, a scattering of amphorae in shallow waters served as a trail for archaeologists, leading them to cargo fragments, ship fittings, and ultimately, the wreckage.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2026
Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 23 Mar. 2026
Witnesses told local news outlets that the shots sent people scattering as police rushed to the area.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scattering
Noun
Ice signaled its presence via the scattering and reflectance of light, as seen by ShadowCam.
—K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 18 Mar. 2026
About two and a half miles off the coast, a scattering of amphorae in shallow waters served as a trail for archaeologists, leading them to cargo fragments, ship fittings, and ultimately, the wreckage.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
As the sun stretched over the field in the aftermath, the teams took a group photo before scattering off to brunch or … well, to the movies.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 23 Mar. 2026
Witnesses told local news outlets that the shots sent people scattering as police rushed to the area.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scattering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scattering
Noun
-
Standard risk and exclusion zone guidelines for LNG sites generally extend far beyond 400 feet, precisely because in the event of a release, thermal radiation, vapor dispersion or flash fires could affect areas well outside facility boundaries.—
Joel McPherson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 Mar. 2026
-
All of those things at the end of the day go back to that manager dispersion.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
24 Mar. 2026
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
-
The glass rear panel is highly reflective, dispersing glare in all directions.—
Eric Zeman,
PC Magazine,
25 Mar. 2026
-
The missiles are the largest of Iran’s submunition-dispersing arsenal.—
Melanie Lidman,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Stults recommends vacuuming first, wiping with a paper towel, then spraying and wiping with a cleaner.—
Alora Bopray,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Both experts suggest tackling odors with white vinegar, too, either while cleaning or spraying it in the air.—
Lori Keong,
Architectural Digest,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
At least, the tension between Jenna and Eddy is dissipating.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
31 Mar. 2026
-
But the smoke was dissipating, and that delayed the decision to land.—
Jeff Suess,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
22 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The dispersal order has since been lifted.—
Tom Ignudo,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
-
While most gatherings were reportedly peaceful, authorities and media reported clashes late in the day outside federal properties in Los Angeles and Portland, where police issued dispersal orders and made arrests after confrontations at sites associated with immigration enforcement and detention.—
Joe Edwards,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Mar. 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
-
Neutralize Trash Can Odors Cut odors from the kitchen trash by periodically sprinkling baking soda in as waste accumulates.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
15 Mar. 2026
-
For instance, sprinkling cinnamon around entry points while also using a vinegar spray can help create a double barrier against ants attempting to infiltrate your home.—
Alexandra Kelly,
Martha Stewart,
13 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Scattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scattering. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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