SCATTERSHOT Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

scattershot

adjective

Definition of scattershot

as in haphazard

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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 scattershot Investors have been seeking details on Zuckerberg’s AI strategy, which has been scattershot and left Meta behind OpenAI, Anthropic and Google in the market for top models and services. — Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 30 July 2026 As seemingly scattershot as the box-office yields for these films can be, don’t expect live-action remakes of classic animation to turn into a pumpkin anytime soon. — Chris Lee, Vulture, 14 July 2026 The two-bedroom duplex, Apartment 305-306, the aforementioned art studio, still has scattershot paint splatters on the floor and a library in the second room. — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 1 July 2026 And while towns in Clay, Platte and Johnson Counties have seen steady — if limited — growth, the bureau found, population figures in eastern Jackson County have been somewhat more scattershot. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for scattershot

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scattershot

Adjective

Violent crime, once almost unknown on the island, is rising sharply—another sign of the state’s haphazard retreat.

— Will Freeman, Foreign Affairs, 17 Sep. 2026
With no clear guidance, haphazard and improvised efforts by companies to clean the homes left 6 in 10 residences still unsafe.

— Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of haphazard

Adjective

Instead of projecting random stars, the Pococo Galaxy Projector uses projection discs to fill the room with gorgeous, sharp images of planets, galaxies and much more.

— Chris McMullen, Space.com, 7 Oct. 2026
After posting a picture on a random rock in the Turkish highlands on Instagram, Salah has transformed the spot into a tourist attraction, with droves of fans making the pilgrimage.

— Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of random

Adjective

Monday in Philadelphia stays cool and unsettled, with the front stalled just south of the region and scattered rain chances, especially across southeastern Pennsylvania, South Jersey and Delaware.

— Andrew Kozak, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026
The scattered pieces of the former storm will likely drift over the Caribbean and soak Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Hispaniola with a few inches of rain, some of which will reach Florida.

— Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of scattered

Adjective

The insects also develop in quince and are reported to be incidental in plums, pears, tart cherries, and certain other members of the rose family.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 2026
In one of these journals, called Notebook B, there is an incidental sketch, a few scratched lines like the barren twigs of a winter tree.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of incidental

Adjective

Healthcare workers will often wear personal protective equipment, such as an N95 mask, or even a full body suit in case of accidental exposure.

— Erika Edwards, NBC news, 5 Oct. 2026
His death at 33 was ruled accidental, but rumors persist drugs played a role.

— Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of accidental

Adjective

Stewart recalls the whirlwind five-game series that included the star breaking teammate Sue Bird’s nose with an inadvertent elbow and game-altering clutch baskets by Taurasi.

— Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 3 Oct. 2026
The referees called a play dead over an inadvertent whistle that set up another third-down play.

— Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of inadvertent

Adjective

Foreigners have also experienced sporadic outbursts of xenophobic violence.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026
Others look further back to early and sporadic insurgent activity in 1964, before the UDI, or to 1965, the year of the UDI (November 11) itself.

— Chinatsu Tsuji, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of sporadic

Adjective

The film deals with an urban legend that a Nevada reservoir is a time portal, and the aimless group of teenage best friends who become obsessed with going back in history.

— Brent Lang, IndieWire, 24 Sep. 2026
Youth sports, once the redoubt of aimless childhood play, have become hopelessly commercialized.

— Nora Kenney Mittiga, Washington Post, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of aimless

Browse Nearby Words

scatters

scattershot

scatting

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“Scattershot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scattershot. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of scattershot

adjective

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