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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 Without going into mind-numbing technical detail, the OPM consists of a small glass vapor cell containing alkali atoms such as rubidium, cesium, or potassium. — New Atlas, 20 Sep. 2026 Today, scientists understand cosmic rays as fast-moving nuclei – the heavy centers of atoms – from mostly hydrogen. — Jesse Liu, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2026 Different atoms shine in subtly different hues, so the spectrum provided a sense of what the object’s particles were doing. — Quanta Magazine, 14 Sep. 2026 The comedian arrived at the 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards on Monday night, dressed as — well — the Emmy statuette — angel wings, spherical atom and all. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 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
  • Burning fossil fuels releases pollutants that form fine particles and ground-level ozone, increasing risks of heart and lung disease and premature death.
    — Akshaya Jha, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The coated particles are then formed into larger fuel elements.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of particle
Noun
  • 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
  • To make matters worse, the Houthis have captured new terrain in Yemen and acquired Perim Island, a speck of land inside the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint that better positions the Yemeni militia to intercept oil tankers.
    — Daniel DePetris, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of speck
Noun
  • Finding this specific signature inside organic matter proves that these molecules acquired their oxygen during the Solar System’s absolute infancy.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2026
  • So, is there a unifying, spiritual, or religious principle behind every molecule of LSD?
    — Claire Hoffman, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of molecule
Noun
  • Add the torn basil and process just until incorporated -- there will be flecks of green in the mixture.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Some kits include stone-like chips or flecks to scatter over the surface of the wet paint for a realistic effect.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of fleck
Noun
  • With the Moon in your sign squaring Mercury in your career sector, a comment, reaction, or bit of feedback could land harder than expected.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Seeing these guys in person definitely is a little bit cooler than on TV.
    — Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of bit
Noun
  • Morton kosher salt is also very common in home kitchens, but has denser grains than Diamond Crystal.
    — Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 Sep. 2026
  • There are many other spreads that can add extra protein to white or whole-grain bread.
    — Amber Raiken, Verywell Health, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of grain
Noun
  • Because high-potency vapes drive up physical tolerance, standard quitting aids — like over-the-counter patches or nicotine gum — can sometimes feel inadequate to a user seeking immediate relief.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The timber covered mountains have patches of clearcuts where the deer hang out and long cross-canyon shots are the norm.
    — John B. Snow, Outdoor Life, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of patch
Noun
  • These responses, thepublisher has said, go far beyond the snippets of texts typically shown with ordinary search results.
    — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026
  • MFlusiva uses a small snippet of genetic code to train the body to recognize and fight the flu virus.
    — Berkeley Lovelace Jr, NBC news, 18 Sep. 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 28 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on atom

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about atom

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