scatter 1 of 2

scatter

2 of 2

verb

1
2
as in to spray
to cover by or as if by scattering something over or on the hillside was scattered with boulders deposited by the last ice age

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in to dissipate
to go off in different directions and cease to exist as a body or unified whole these drunken revelers will quickly scatter when the police arrive

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb scatter differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of scatter are dispel, disperse, and dissipate. While all these words mean "to cause to separate or break up," scatter implies a force that drives parts or units irregularly in many directions.

the bowling ball scattered the pins

When could dispel be used to replace scatter?

The meanings of dispel and scatter largely overlap; however, dispel stresses a driving away or getting rid of as if by scattering.

an authoritative statement that dispelled all doubt

In what contexts can disperse take the place of scatter?

The words disperse and scatter are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, disperse implies a wider separation and a complete breaking up of a mass or group.

police dispersed the crowd

Where would dissipate be a reasonable alternative to scatter?

In some situations, the words dissipate and scatter are roughly equivalent. However, dissipate stresses complete disintegration or dissolution and final disappearance.

the fog was dissipated by the morning sun

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 scatter
Noun
Everyone kind of scatters, but the people who are there every day are the actors. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2025 The team used what is called coronagraphic imaging to remove Alpha Centauri A and the light scatter of Alpha Centauri B from the picture. David Szondy august 14, New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
As usual, the grounds venues are intimate and scattered among booths selling a wide variety of food, beverages and music merchandise. Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 25 Sep. 2025 Today's average founder wakes to a cascade of notifications scattered across Slack, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, email, and TikTok. Jason Phillips, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scatter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scatter
Noun
  • Higher quality studies—specifically a handful of them that have taken genetics into consideration—have shown no link between prenatal acetaminophen use and autism risk, DeNicola says.
    Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 23 Sep. 2025
  • There have been a handful of good plays, including a pass deflection.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The events of season 3 left these three core characters dispersed.
    Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Terminix also recommends using natural repellents to disperse ladybugs.
    Patricia S York, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Drew Brees spraying 650-plus balls around on quick dropbacks.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Mixing any of these essential oils with water and spraying around your home can help keep ladybugs away.
    Patricia S York, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That gives the storm enough time to move away or dissipate.
    Staff reports, AZCentral.com, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Apple's thinnest phone has less room to dissipate heat, which leads to more aggressive thermal throttling, especially for 3D apps like games.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Jillian was shot by police during an altercation outside the couple's LA home on April 8 when a hit-and-run incident led to a manhunt for three suspects in northeast Los Angeles County.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
  • And despite how things may have ended up for this couple, the beginning was absolutely perfect.
    James Factora, Them., 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The show also sprinkles in factoids about Daniel’s military past, his upbringing in Italy and his fractured family dynamic.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 24 Sep. 2025
  • John Wood mans the kit; Jeff Adamczyk sprinkles stars above on keys.
    Jonathan Terrell, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That dock is just outside the disappearing glass walls of the ground-floor space.
    Sandra Barrera, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The pilot disappeared over the Pacific Ocean on July 2, 1937, while attempting to become the first woman to fly across the globe.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Plenty of five-star hotels and restaurants dotted across Manhattan are home to some superb offerings, combining fine dining with your favorite tea blends.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2025
  • In spring, Europe’s rivers run past fields dotted with tulips while historic towns awaken from winter.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 26 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Scatter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scatter. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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