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 In 1967, the General Conference on Weights and Measures – an intergovernmental organization that sets measurement standards and has over 100 member nations today – adopted a new definition based on the cesium-133 atom. — Vahe Peroomian, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026 This material is where all the atoms in a gas occupy the exact same quantum state, producing weird quantum effects at unusually macroscopic scales. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2026 The laser ranging instruments must be sensitive enough to detect a change in distance smaller than the size of an atom to confirm a gravitational wave detection. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 7 Oct. 2026 At least Mark Zuckerberg had the decency to be duplicitous, Altman is just openly consumed by the mania of trying to win the most important technological arms race since the atom bomb. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 6 Oct. 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
  • Neutrinos bump into other particles only rarely, so scientists build large detectors to improve their odds of catching collisions.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Detecting cosmic ghosts Neutrinos are the second-most prevalent particles in the entire universe besides photons, particles of light.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of particle
Noun
  • Every belt buckle looks freshly yanked off the rack; every speck of signage resembles something painted 45 minutes before filming commenced that day.
    — Michael Phillips, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The period is 2006, when the golden age of streamable content is barely a speck on the media horizon.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of speck
Noun
  • The scientists altered those molecules, however, replacing flexible carbon chains with more rigid structures called benzene rings.
    — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Because the plant itself doesn’t yield an essential oil, the fragrance is conjured by perfumers using an array of synthetic molecules.
    — April Long, Allure, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of molecule
Noun
  • As few as 10 cells, hidden in an infinitesimal fleck of feces, can contaminate raw milk and trigger a fatal infection.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The oversized jacket featured a furry white base adorned with flecks of silver, which beautifully mirrored the sumptuous coats on the runway.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of fleck
Noun
  • Rooms decor is sophisticated, and not in the slightest bit stuffy.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026
  • There was the title, an obvious nod to the first Zuckerberg film, and ads used bits of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’ score.
    — Brent Lang, IndieWire, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of bit
Noun
  • Recent Russian targets have included energy systems, key industries, railways, post offices, shopping centers, telecom networks, gas stations and grain exports.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
  • In August this year, its grain and legume exports totalled 981,000 tonnes, down about 58% year on year.
    — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of grain
Noun
  • Each style features archival details like period-correct buttons, hair-on-hide patches and suspender attachments on the jean.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
  • And, as mentioned before, companies are currently scaling back due to what some are describing as a whiskey glut during a rough patch for the spirits industry overall.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of patch
Noun
  • The words cut sharply into the jumble of to-do lists, fantasies, snippets of possible writing, worry, and leftover traces of postpartum depression that constituted my mind in the early months of 1993.
    — Via Scribner, Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026
  • In between these interviews are glimpses of the occasional Israeli news media snippet and at one point an archival reminder of the circumstances of Tel Aviv’s founding.
    — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 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 13 Oct. 2026.

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