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 Zillions of electrons from atoms that make up Earth’s atmosphere get temporarily bounced away from the nucleus of zillions and zillions of atoms. — Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 9 Aug. 2026 Theoretically, this means that the plastic should be easily convertible into other, more useful molecules after replacing their chlorine atoms. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 6 Aug. 2026 Lupoi isn’t a guy who spends his evenings pondering philosophy or splitting atoms. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026 In gases, such as air, atoms and molecules are separated from each other by lots of space. — Robin MacAluso, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 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
  • Most are no larger than a particle of dust, or grain of sand.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • There is also a record that staff there was improperly emitting particles through their smokestack.
    — Dave Savini, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of particle
Noun
  • For millions of people with geographic atrophy, the speck in their vision is far more literal and can eventually lead to blindness.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Pay close attention to where leaves meet the stem, the underside of leaves, and within the petals for any movement or tiny specks.
    — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of speck
Noun
  • Changing these printing conditions caused the molecules to align in one of two perpendicular directions.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026
  • High temperatures cause air molecules to spread farther apart, making the air less dense or thinner.
    — Emma Balleste, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of molecule
Noun
  • Little flecks of roasted sweet potato pepper the cake, and a tangy cream cheese glaze is a perfect complement to the warm spices and crunchy topping.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2026
  • One image of her right knee showed flecks of blue plastic that prosecutors said came from an inflatable pool Burke used to collect blood while dismembering her body.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 July 2026
Definition of fleck
Noun
  • Demo time Early next year, Halliburton will drill the first test well—using an extra-large drill bit—to delve thousands of feet underground vertically and horizontally.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026
  • In IconArrows pointing outwards Berkshire still came out a little bit ahead, however, as the stock is now trading just under $184.
    — Alex Crippen, CNBC, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of bit
Noun
  • Hossler save par with three putts from 10 feet or long, and three others in the 5-foot range that looks even longer with the grain in the greens.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
  • This includes whole grains like brown rice, oats, corn, and whole-grain foods made with them, such as pasta and bread.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of grain
Noun
  • When the economy hits rougher patches, employers curtail hiring or tend to favor experienced workers, businesses lean more on technology to fill any labor gaps, and some consumers pull back on discretionary spending.
    — Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Reseeding fills in those gaps before bare patches take hold, which is also crucial because bare soil serves as prime real estate for weeds looking to move in uncontested.
    — Amanda Tust, Architectural Digest, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of patch
Noun
  • Listen to snippets of the band's music and read more about the subgenre.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Since then, the pair has gone viral for sharing snippets of their friendship online, from lip-syncing to dancing and more.
    — Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of snippet

Browse Nearby Words

atolls
atom
atomic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Atom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/atom. Accessed 16 Aug. 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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