1
as in dispersion
an act or process in which something scatters or is scattered
the scattering of the protesters suddenly turned violent and chaotic
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in handful
a small number
a scattering of people in the mostly empty theater
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in dispersing
to cause (members of a group) to move widely apart
the noise of the backfiring car scattered the pigeons
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in spraying
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 dissipating
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of scattering
Samuel Badman, The Conversation, 6 Oct. 2025
In part, that was due to breakdowns in protection that often sent Nix scattering before routes had a chance to develop.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 24 Sep. 2025
Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025
The spectroscopic observations have shown that gravitational tidal forces from the white dwarf have torn it apart, scattering debris from the planetary body onto the surface of the white dwarf.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scattering
Noun
Light scattering is the same process that makes the sky blue on Earth.
—Samuel Badman, The Conversation, 6 Oct. 2025
In part, that was due to breakdowns in protection that often sent Nix scattering before routes had a chance to develop.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
The group gathered at Sures’ home and vandalized it, leaving red handprints and caution tape on his garage door and scattering pamphlets on his front lawn.
—Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025
The spectroscopic observations have shown that gravitational tidal forces from the white dwarf have torn it apart, scattering debris from the planetary body onto the surface of the white dwarf.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scattering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scattering
Noun
-
This reflects the dispersion within the Mag7, present all year, which allows this segment of the market to rebalance itself over time.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
21 Oct. 2025
-
These sorts of expeditions are known as dispersion movements.—
Ganesh Marín,
The Dial,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
When the humans return, there are only a handful, better clothed, hair braided and combed, new fashions.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Muse drawing rave reviews Some people in the organization — largely a handful of players — are not always easily impressed by coaches.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
Wolves have since returned to the state on their own, dispersing from packs in Oregon and spreading as far south as the southern end of the Sierra Nevada.—
NPR,
NPR,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
For tougher stains, Stein suggests sprinkling baking soda over the area and then spraying it with a mixture of vinegar and water.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
1 Nov. 2025
-
Geoengineering is one potential alternative, as ambitious projects could dim the sun by spraying particles in the atmosphere.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The system’s center is forecast to remain offshore of the Baja California Sur coast, dissipating by Saturday, according to the agency.—
Joe Edwards,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
-
On the forecast track, Priscilla is expected to remain offshore of the coast of Baja California Sur before dissipating.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
That night, a minority of protesters had blocked roads, threw water bottles and rocks at officers and vandalized property, police said, according to the complaint, leading authorities to issue a dispersal order.—
Julia Marnin,
Sacbee.com,
31 Oct. 2025
-
The habitat-modifying keystone species play a vital role in the region’s ecosystem supporting the health and dispersal of wildlife and other native plants.—
John Leos,
AZCentral.com,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The young couple welcomed their daughter via adoption this summer.—
Janelle Ash,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
-
The couple posted the news on Instagram Friday night.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Consider sprinkling stevia over your oatmeal.—
Carrie Madormo,
Verywell Health,
3 Nov. 2025
-
For tougher stains, Stein suggests sprinkling baking soda over the area and then spraying it with a mixture of vinegar and water.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
1 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Scattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scattering. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
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