as in handful
a small number
a smattering of guests at the art exhibit
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Recent Examples of smattering
Sara Holdren, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2026
On one visit, the pizza was smeared in a creamy, garlicky white sauce with a smattering of roasted broccoli.
—Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
Turner gathered his papers, stepped off the platform, and walked back to his seat to a smattering of applause.
—Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026
Video of the Trumps' arrival on the balcony shows many in attendance applauding and cheering, though a smattering of boos can be heard.
—Joseph Konig, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for smattering
Noun
That’s just a smattering of how the characters in Becky Shaw talk to each other — and, with the possible exception of the last statement, this is the more mild stuff.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2026
On one visit, the pizza was smeared in a creamy, garlicky white sauce with a smattering of roasted broccoli.
—Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
Turner gathered his papers, stepped off the platform, and walked back to his seat to a smattering of applause.
—Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026
Video of the Trumps' arrival on the balcony shows many in attendance applauding and cheering, though a smattering of boos can be heard.
—Joseph Konig, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for smattering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smattering
Noun
-
One of the most rousing action-comedies ever made, and one that possesses an undeniable heft in its practical effects, The General builds beautifully off of its premise to create a handful of cinema’s most dizzying, entertaining chase sequences.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Apr. 2026
-
In 2024, Niobrara became the country’s first official quiet trail—one of just a handful in the world, certified by Quiet Parks International.—
Stephanie Vermillion,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The long-running series is enjoying its latest act on Netflix after previously airing on Fox and USA, tantalizing viewers by thrusting four couples due for a reckoning into an exotic locale overflowing with sultry singles whose only goal is to flirt.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The couple's adult children from previous relationships are meeting this weekend, sources told TMZ.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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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
Verb
-
Fuentes came of age in an ecosystem of edgelord posting and trolling in-jokes.—
Antonia Hitchens,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Newsom prioritizes trolling Trump over governing.—
,
FOXNews.com,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Hardcore Survivor fans love to discuss and debate the intricacies of the game and their favorite seasons and winners in the same way that sports fans enjoy chattering nonstop about their teams.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
25 Feb. 2026
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This is the shelter’s busiest season, making for the film’s most vibrant, chattering section, and Hélène adapts well to the rhythm and volume of whatever company rolls in, while occasionally retreating to the woods for some respite.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Justin Fletcher returns as the bleating voice of Shaun and the flock, joined by John Sparkes, and Kate Harbour as voice talent in the dialog-free feature.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Mar. 2026
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When Sneaky Snook in his mail truck happened upon the wreckage near the boundary of Meredith Downs, sheep were scattered along the roadside and the fence, bleating, dazed.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
With the June primary looming, Villaraigosa’s campaign risks sputtering out.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Mar. 2026
-
With the majority of their big-league starting lineup competing in the World Baseball Classic, the offense is sputtering big-time.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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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
Cite this Entry
“Smattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smattering. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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