atom

noun

ˈa-təm How to pronounce atom (audio)
Definition of atomnext
as in particle
a very small piece give me just one atom of information about the novel's surprise ending

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 atom All current nuclear power plants use fission, which involves splitting atoms. — Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 7 July 2026 The static electricity forms in the dryer as loose electrons give clothing atoms a negative charge. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 2 July 2026 Pasqal, the French neutral-atom quantum computing leader, is planning a dual Nasdaq-Euronext listing with over €340 million in committed financing. — Drew Bernstein, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 His team has made clusters of 36 boron atoms in a thin, atom-thick disk; two could be stitched together to create the boron equivalent of graphene. — ArsTechnica, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for atom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for atom
  1. particle
  2. speck
  3. molecule
  4. fleck
  5. bit
  6. grain
  7. patch
  8. snippet
Noun
  • The spacecraft also measures the distribution of gas in the outer heliosphere, the expansive, protective bubble formed by a steady stream of particles that release from the sun called the solar wind.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • Dangers from wildfire smoke Smoke is made up of tiny particles that can be inhaled deep into a person's lungs and even enter the bloodstream.
    — Ava Berger, NPR, 16 July 2026
Definition of particle
Noun
  • New York State created a Law, for an instant speck of time, going back many decades, in order to wrongfully ‘nab’ me.
    — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 29 June 2026
  • One released a chaff cascade—hell’s own monsoon manifesting as specks of light, sound, and EM pulses falling through the hanging garden.
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 26 June 2026
Definition of speck
Noun
  • This salty brine on the rock's parent asteroid could be an important piece to study, as researchers think that such a brine could ignite the chemical reactions between organic molecules and minerals that could create life.
    — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 15 July 2026
  • The researchers say that this digital silicon technology is easier to scale up than their analog circuit and can also carry out other kinds of computation, such as image generation and simulations of molecules.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 15 July 2026
Definition of molecule
Noun
  • Light streams through the frosted glass, catching flecks of dust.
    — Ashley Andreou, STAT, 22 June 2026
  • But flecks of green were visible throughout the stadium as Algeria fans made their presence known as well.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 17 June 2026
Definition of fleck
Noun
  • This pacing problem extends to subplots like the Henry-in-a-coma bit.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • Scientists pointed out that the abrasion bit the rover used to expose the rocks was sterilized before launch and has cut into other rocks across Jezero without ever producing a G-band this strong.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 4 July 2026
Definition of bit
Noun
  • Furthermore, beware of any ancestral diet that is completely lacking in particular nutrients and the foods that bring them such as grains that bring fiber and different vitamins and minerals.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • Like other silk styles available at Quince, the dress has a diagonal grain — the detail that gives this slip dress its signature drape and appearance.
    — Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026
Definition of grain
Noun
  • Through the agreement, in collaboration with Learfield, an XRP jersey patch will be featured on all Kansas team uniforms, marking the first time a cryptocurrency will be integrated into the jersey of a major college athletics program.
    — Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 10 July 2026
  • Massage it on rough, bumpy patches and areas prone to ingrown hairs for brighter, smoother, healthier-looking skin.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 9 July 2026
Definition of patch
Noun
  • To keep our attention, Parreno and Gordon splice in snippets of overhead shots or official TV footage.
    — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 11 July 2026
  • Music and sound snippets are coordinated with the fireworks and other visuals.
    — Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026
Definition of snippet

Browse Nearby Words

atolls
atom
atomic
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Cite this Entry

“Atom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/atom. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on atom

Nglish: Translation of atom for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about atom

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