1
as in to dissipate
to go off in different directions and cease to exist as a body or unified whole
the crowd dispersed once the show ended
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2
as in to scatter
to cause (members of a group) to move widely apart
the family of the missing woman dispersed searchers to all corners of the national park
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3
as in to disband
to cease to exist or cause to cease to exist as a group or organization
the campaign staff dispersed almost immediately after the election
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of disperse
With a steel and wooden lifeboat available, both were filled and lowered, but the steel life boat immediately overturned, dispersing those who were in it across the choppy waters.
—
Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 4 Nov. 2025
As Border patrol arrested one individual, who actively resisted arrest, pepper spray was deployed spray to deter the agitator and disperse the crowd.
—NPR, 3 Nov. 2025
Though she was arrested on charges of failure to disperse and provoke breach of peace, according to the lawsuit, Stubbs said she was never prosecuted.
—Julia Marnin, Sacbee.com, 31 Oct. 2025
In the clip, each member of the cast can be seen rallying together to put an end to things, before dispersing across their homes, school, hospital, and elsewhere to make quick work in hopes of surviving.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for disperse
Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 4 Nov. 2025
As Border patrol arrested one individual, who actively resisted arrest, pepper spray was deployed spray to deter the agitator and disperse the crowd.
—NPR, 3 Nov. 2025
Though she was arrested on charges of failure to disperse and provoke breach of peace, according to the lawsuit, Stubbs said she was never prosecuted.
—Julia Marnin, Sacbee.com, 31 Oct. 2025
In the clip, each member of the cast can be seen rallying together to put an end to things, before dispersing across their homes, school, hospital, and elsewhere to make quick work in hopes of surviving.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for disperse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disperse
Verb
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Any prospect of Republicans having a serious chance of keeping the Old Dominion this year was, at best, a mirage that dissipated months ago.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
4 Nov. 2025
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The results offer crucial confirmation for theoretical models about how magnetic turbulence carries and dissipates energy in the sun's upper atmosphere, Morton added.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Because the vapors are hazardous, scattering moth balls around your closet is always unsafe.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
31 Oct. 2025
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Most of this isn’t spelled out in cinematics or open dialogue; it’s hidden on computer files scattered throughout the game, in voicemails, stuff that’s very easy to miss.—
Will Borger,
Rolling Stone,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The band Van Halen disbanded after Eddie's death.—
Sarah Sotoodeh,
FOXNews.com,
3 Nov. 2025
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As rumored over the past few weeks, MTV is putting its music video legacy in the rear-view mirror, with the network’s music team disbanded and Wendy Plaut, SVP and Head of Music & Celebrity Talent, departing.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Aside from weightless words, Hardwich notes that the worst thing about dating in 2025 is how common ghosting has become, with men showing interest only to disappear without warning.—
Meredith Wilshere,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
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Save screenshots, links and dates before the content disappears.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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After this, lithography machines chemically develop the photoresist so that some areas dissolve and others stay.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
2 Nov. 2025
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Set aside until the yeast has dissolved, about 15 minutes.—
Katie Parla,
Saveur,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Mankinlu Maple Leaf Solar Pathway Lights As daylight starts to fade earlier, these cute pathway lights add both charm and function to your yard.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Oct. 2025
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The Trail Blazers faded in the fourth quarter en route to a 118-114 loss to the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Disperse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disperse. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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