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 The main difference in these exotic atoms is that the electron substitutes are much heavier. — George Musser, Quanta Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026 There are various families of bodies in the outer solar system, and 3I/ATLAS’ spectrum bears a resemblance to the spectrum of some medium-sized TNOs that are rich in carbon-dioxide ice and organic compounds (organic meaning containing carbon atoms). — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 2 Nov. 2026 Graphene is a two-dimensional sheet of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice pattern but only one atom thick. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 30 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
  • For example, two fluorescent particles positioned close together may appear as a single feature under a microscope.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026
  • For example, homes can be made less likely to ignite with Class A fire-resistant roofs and ember-resistant vents that reduce the potential for burning particles to enter homes.
    — Virginia Iglesias, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of particle
Noun
  • The pair are flip sides of the same coin; Kinney a speck of blue running in a red state, and Austin a Republican running in the Democratic stronghold of Connecticut.
    — Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Chips could be destroyed by even a speck of dust, so factories became impregnable clean rooms, their workers clad in bunny suits.
    — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of speck
Noun
  • Both amyloid beta and tau are normally present in healthy brains; the plaques and tangles are abnormal aggregations of these molecules.
    — Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Chelation therapy involves the administration of administering specialized chemical agents that attach to the lead molecules in the bird’s blood and form a compound that is expelled, mostly via urine.
    — Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of molecule
Noun
  • In addition, since all this debris is moving at orbital velocity, a fleck of paint traveling in the opposite direction to an operational satellite can hit it at a speed in excess of Mach 47.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of fleck
Noun
  • Jama took to social media to share a goodbye message with some of her best bits from the ITV reality series.
    — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 8 Nov. 2026
  • But, unfortunately, got a little bit tangled up and fell awkward.
    — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of bit
Noun
  • Instead of dissolving an entire sample for analysis, this method measures individual mineral grains directly.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Using a specialized rubidium-strontium dating technique, researchers analyzed individual mineral grains on its surface, preserving it for future analysis.
    — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of grain
Noun
  • My boho style and penchant for adding bright patches and brooches to all my clothing marked me as decidedly not a local.
    — Abby Hepworth, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The plaintiffs in the three lawsuits are calling for a halt to work on a monument that is set to be built on a patch of grass off a bridge that spans the Potomac River and connects Washington with Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Va.
    — Matthew Daly, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of patch
Noun
  • The musician teased the release with an Instagram reel that included a snippet of the new version.
    — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Listen to snippets of the album and hear about how Taupin has been able to keep his and John's relationship so strong.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 29 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 9 Nov. 2026.

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