smattering 1 of 2

noun

ˈsma-tə-riŋ How to pronounce smattering (audio)
Definition of smatteringnext
as in handful
a small number a smattering of guests at the art exhibit

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

smattering

2 of 2

verb

present participle of smatter
as in blathering

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 smattering
Noun
The restaurant has even received a smattering of new customers as well as phone calls voicing support. — Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026 The scene outside is electric, with American fans clad in stars and stripes, while a smattering of Bosnia-Herzegovina fans are decked out in their dark blue and yellow. — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026 Yet, despite a smattering of citations, the work is impossible to fact-check, much less peer-review. — Shanti Escalante-De Mattei, ARTnews.com, 30 June 2026 The smattering of boos toward him that started the year have grown louder. — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for smattering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smattering
  1. handful
  2. pattering
  3. couple
  4. trolling
  5. chattering
  6. bleating
  7. sputtering
  8. jabbering
Noun
  • At halftime on the field of play at the New York New Jersey Stadium, megawatt stars including Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Burna Boy, and Justin Bieber will take to the stage, co-signing a handful of designers.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 16 July 2026
  • The tariffs – whether threatened or implemented – sent shockwaves through the global economy, tested relationships with longstanding allies and pushed a handful of countries to strike trade deals with Washington to limit the damage.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
Definition of handful
Verb
  • The interview was interrupted multiple times because of rain pattering against the barn roof where it was being held.
    — Emily Chang, ABC News, 7 June 2026
  • Benito finds community with the like-minded Pleneros de la Cresta, who have been playing the island’s pattering folk music for over a decade.
    — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025
Definition of pattering
Noun
  • The four treatment rooms are set apart within tropical vegetation, with a pavilion available for couples looking for joint pampering.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026
  • In a statement shared with the press, the couple explained the meaning behind Milan’s name.
    — Emma Banks, InStyle, 19 July 2026
Definition of couple
Verb
  • Not just for his good looks, strong vocals, and charismatic performances, but also for his pretty funny content, especially when trolling the fans.
    — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • Gavin Newsom’s workplace issue The outgoing governor of California and anticipated 2028 presidential candidate Gavin Newsom once made headlines for something other than trolling the president of the United States on social media.
    — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 June 2026
Definition of trolling
Verb
  • That’s nothing more than a nonsensical, demonizing political narrative spewed by left-wing politicians and their brethren in the progressive chattering class.
    — Michael Zais, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026
  • Jean’s Beach at the Old Stove Pub The hush-hush purchase of the Old Stove Pub by Max Chodorow had everyone chattering for months.
    — Nancy Kane, Curbed, 25 June 2026
Definition of chattering
Verb
  • However, the animals did survive and seemed set on helping their family survive too, repeatedly bleating and stomping on the debris covering the bunker.
    — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 21 May 2026
  • Players started bleating, serenading James with sounds deserving of the GOAT — greatest of all time.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2026
Definition of bleating
Verb
  • With the Red Sox sputtering in last place in the AL East, the organization has bigger problems than Contreras.
    — Steve Buckley, New York Times, 2 July 2026
  • Wrangling my emotions became the difference between sputtering to a halt and moving forward.
    — Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of sputtering
Verb
  • In an eventual 57-point Hurricanes victory, Stevenson was balling and jabbering about it, too, to every Wildcats pass catcher within earshot.
    — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Definition of jabbering

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Cite this Entry

“Smattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smattering. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on smattering

Nglish: Translation of smattering for Spanish Speakers

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