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
Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 27 June 2025
Unlike other travelogues, this series does not linger over cuisine, haute or otherwise (there is a continual quest for coffee), aiming instead for a scattering of local crafts, traditions and events.
—Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025
Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Dec. 2024
Cluster artillery popped open, scattering scores of lethal submunitions.
—David Axe, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for scattering
Noun
From traditional burials to the scattering of one's ashes at sea, the methods for the deceased to be honored are as varied as the cultures that comprise our world.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 27 June 2025
Unlike other travelogues, this series does not linger over cuisine, haute or otherwise (there is a continual quest for coffee), aiming instead for a scattering of local crafts, traditions and events.
—Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025
Verb
When preparing your impressive dessert spread this holiday season, consider scattering in a few of these limited-time cookies to add a touch of color to your platter.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Dec. 2024
Cluster artillery popped open, scattering scores of lethal submunitions.
—David Axe, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for scattering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scattering
Noun
-
There are also multiple bills targeting pharmacy benefit managers, the middleman of the prescription drug dispersion industry.—
Kayla Dwyer,
IndyStar,
3 July 2025
-
By integrating all relevant data into one place, response times are optimized and the dispersion of information across multiple platforms is avoided.—
Jose Luis Gonzalez Rodriguez,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2025
Noun
-
Snack smart: Choose snack foods that are good sources of proteins, such as a handful of nuts, seeds, or edamame.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Verywell Health,
14 July 2025
-
Lisette Olivera was initially cast as a series regular last season to succeed Kane but left after a handful of episodes as Scola’s new partner Syd Ortiz.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
There are already laws in Florida governing weather modification, which can include cloud seeding—the enhancement of precipitation by dispersing substances into clouds that encourage the formation of rain or snow.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
19 Mar. 2025
-
These pollutants can come from a variety of sources, including vehicle emissions, industrial activity, wildfires, and weather patterns that prevent pollution from dispersing.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
17 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The impact of human dispersals and local interactions on the genetic diversity of coastal Papua New Guinea over the past 2,500 years As the marketing coordinator at Discover Magazine, Stephanie Edwards interacts with readers across Discover's social media channels and writes digital content.—
Stephanie Edwards,
Discover Magazine,
9 June 2025
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After millions of years of shaping the nation’s grasslands and forests through their feeding habits and seed dispersal, the moa went extinct roughly 150 years after the Māori arrived.—
Andrea Marks,
Rolling Stone,
8 July 2025
Noun
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Deputies found Angela Byrd, 44, deceased and wrapped in plastic inside the couple’s home, where Byrd allegedly lived for weeks as the body decomposed, according to the sheriff.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
22 July 2025
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During the latest episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq, the NBA legend was asked about the couple’s new romance and didn’t hesitate to predict an early expiration date.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
22 July 2025
Verb
-
Can’t Look Away, in part, focuses on the Social Media Victims Law Center and its lawsuit against Snapchat on behalf of families whose children met tragic ends after consuming counterfeit prescription drugs acquired through the disappearing messaging app run by parent Snap.—
Etan Vlessing,
The Hollywood Reporter,
21 Mar. 2025
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While remote work isn’t disappearing, the era of full-time remote freedom may be ending for many workers.—
Jason Wingard,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
To date, all items raised from the Titanic have been recovered from within a 15-square-mile debris field — a vast underwater scatter zone formed when the ship broke apart during its final descent.—
Jordan Runtagh,
People.com,
6 July 2025
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So, slot games with scatter ensure a better reward system.—
Matthew Gover,
Miami Herald,
6 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The choir leaned over him offering words of motivation, and rain doused the flames as Kirk Franklin marched up to a stage beating back smoke with an orange glow, like sunlight dissolving cloud cover.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
28 Mar. 2025
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Even some downstate Republicans oppose the movement, arguing that dissolving townships will lead to tax hikes.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Scattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scattering. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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