as in handful
a small number
a smattering of guests at the art exhibit
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Recent Examples of smattering
Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026
Their return to the stage continues this year with another slate of North American shows set for the spring, including two nights at Red Rocks, plus a smattering of dates supporting country superstar Zach Bryan.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 24 Mar. 2026
Her critics have also pounced on a smattering of ethics scandals throughout her tenure as city treasurer.
—Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
Because an outfit is never complete without a bit of glitz, Alba added a smattering of diamond rings from Chopard, as well as matching diamond drop earrings.
—Christina Perrier, InStyle, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for smattering
Noun
Fan reaction Here is a smattering of what fans were saying on X and Reddit.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026
Their return to the stage continues this year with another slate of North American shows set for the spring, including two nights at Red Rocks, plus a smattering of dates supporting country superstar Zach Bryan.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 24 Mar. 2026
Her critics have also pounced on a smattering of ethics scandals throughout her tenure as city treasurer.
—Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
Because an outfit is never complete without a bit of glitz, Alba added a smattering of diamond rings from Chopard, as well as matching diamond drop earrings.
—Christina Perrier, InStyle, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for smattering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smattering
Noun
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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
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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
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
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Benito finds community with the like-minded Pleneros de la Cresta, who have been playing the island’s pattering folk music for over a decade.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
2 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The city maintains that the lid lifters, besides trolling for batteries and propane tanks, are part of an education program to help residents understand the city’s totally insane trash-sorting rules.—
Inga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Mar. 2026
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If trolling your enemies on Instagram were an Olympic sport, 50 Cent would have a chestful of gold medals.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Hardcore Survivor fans love to discuss and debate the intricacies of the game and their favorite seasons and winners in the same way that sports fans enjoy chattering nonstop about their teams.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
25 Feb. 2026
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This is the shelter’s busiest season, making for the film’s most vibrant, chattering section, and Hélène adapts well to the rhythm and volume of whatever company rolls in, while occasionally retreating to the woods for some respite.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Justin Fletcher returns as the bleating voice of Shaun and the flock, joined by John Sparkes, and Kate Harbour as voice talent in the dialog-free feature.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Mar. 2026
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When Sneaky Snook in his mail truck happened upon the wreckage near the boundary of Meredith Downs, sheep were scattered along the roadside and the fence, bleating, dazed.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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With the June primary looming, Villaraigosa’s campaign risks sputtering out.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Mar. 2026
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With the majority of their big-league starting lineup competing in the World Baseball Classic, the offense is sputtering big-time.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In an eventual 57-point Hurricanes victory, Stevenson was balling and jabbering about it, too, to every Wildcats pass catcher within earshot.—
Dan Wiederer,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smattering. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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