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
Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 1 Sep. 2025
Reine, Norway Tucked beneath jagged peaks and wrapped in Arctic light, Reine rests like a scattering of rubies on slate.
—Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Sep. 2025
The Broncos’ first three drives Sunday went for three straight three-and-outs, a haunted house of penalties, ineffective run-blocking and personnel scattering on and off the field like lab rats.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scattering
Noun
Its back has a scattering of darker brown-black spots.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 1 Sep. 2025
Reine, Norway Tucked beneath jagged peaks and wrapped in Arctic light, Reine rests like a scattering of rubies on slate.
—Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Verb
Create a pollinator patch by clearing an area of any weeds and debris and scattering native wildflower seeds, which will pop up in spring.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Sep. 2025
The Broncos’ first three drives Sunday went for three straight three-and-outs, a haunted house of penalties, ineffective run-blocking and personnel scattering on and off the field like lab rats.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scattering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scattering
Noun
-
These sorts of expeditions are known as dispersion movements.—
Ganesh Marín,
The Dial,
7 Oct. 2025
-
This options trade will focus on the current dispersion amongst the S & P 500's 11 sectors.—
Jeff Kilburg,
CNBC,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
While Jets fans anxiously await those results, notable sports medicine physician and Injury Expertz CEO Jesse Morse believes the team could be looking at the prospect of being without their star wideout for a handful of games.—
Michael Gallagher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
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To mark what would have been John Lennon’s 85th birthday, Propstore is auctioning off a handful of rare artifacts with ties to the late, great Liverpudlian musician.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Many others have also left quietly, dispersing across continents, carrying stories like mine.—
Sonny Alejandra,
Time,
18 Sep. 2025
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But the protoplanetary disks around these massive stars only last around 2 million years before dispersing — and that's not quite enough time to create gas giants.—
Stefanie Waldek,
Space.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In addition, spraying insecticides to kill flies isn’t a good option.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Bond has helped them with yard work, trimming bushes and spraying for insects.—
Natalie Davies,
Freep.com,
3 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
-
Police can order a protest to disperse if there is a clear danger of riot, disorder, or threat to public safety, but must give clear dispersal orders.—
Jalen Williams,
Freep.com,
13 Oct. 2025
-
Police may shut down a protest through a dispersal order, according to the ACLU, but it must be used as a last resort in situations where there is a clear and present danger of riot, disorder or interference with traffic, as well as any other immediate threats to public safety.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The couple married in September 2004, and Spears filed for divorce in November 2006.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
18 Oct. 2025
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The bill would also allow newly married couples to combine accumulated Save Our Homes benefits.—
Jim Turner,
Miami Herald,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Vrabel is gunning for her, her team and anyone standing in his path, sprinkling salt on select wounds along the way.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
16 Oct. 2025
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TikTok creators and influencers have been filming themselves pouring honey onto a spoon, or even on the back of their hand, and sprinkling it with salt — many opting for natural options of both — and taking a dose before heading to the gym.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
29 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Scattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scattering. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
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