SCATTER Synonyms: 123 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'scatter' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of scatter are dispel , disperse , and dissipate . While all these words mean "to cause to separate or break up," scatter implies a force that drives parts or units irregularly in many directions. // the bowling ball scattered the pins

Q: When could 'dispel' be used to replace 'scatter'?

The meanings of dispel and scatter largely overlap; however, dispel stresses a driving away or getting rid of as if by scattering. // an authoritative statement that dispelled all doubt

Q: In what contexts can 'disperse' take the place of 'scatter'?

The words disperse and scatter are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, disperse implies a wider separation and a complete breaking up of a mass or group. // police dispersed the crowd

Q: Where would 'dissipate' be a reasonable alternative to 'scatter'?

In some situations, the words dissipate and scatter are roughly equivalent. However, dissipate stresses complete disintegration or dissolution and final disappearance. // the fog was dissipated by the morning sun

scatter 1 of 2

noun

Definition of scatter next

as in handful

a small number played before only a scatter of spectators in that huge stadium

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

scatter

2 of 2

verb

ˈska-tər

as in to disperse

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

as in to spray

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

as in to dissipate

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb scatter differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of scatter are dispel, disperse, and dissipate. While all these words mean "to cause to separate or break up," scatter implies a force that drives parts or units irregularly in many directions.

the bowling ball scattered the pins

When could dispel be used to replace scatter?

The meanings of dispel and scatter largely overlap; however, dispel stresses a driving away or getting rid of as if by scattering.

an authoritative statement that dispelled all doubt

In what contexts can disperse take the place of scatter?

The words disperse and scatter are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, disperse implies a wider separation and a complete breaking up of a mass or group.

police dispersed the crowd

Where would dissipate be a reasonable alternative to scatter?

In some situations, the words dissipate and scatter are roughly equivalent. However, dissipate stresses complete disintegration or dissolution and final disappearance.

the fog was dissipated by the morning sun

Examples 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 scatter

Noun

When the moon moves into the inner part of Earth's shadow, or umbra, some of the sunlight entering Earth's skies scatters before reaching the moon's surface, according to NASA. —

Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 21 June 2024 Scattered light rays that enter the eye pass through multiple ocular components that reduce the scatter to focus the rays onto the retina, which converts the light into an electrical signal that is transferred through the optic nerve. —

Gary Stix, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2024

Verb

The app is run by a nonprofit nominally based in Sonoma County, but is staffed by a dozen employees and hundreds of volunteers scattered around the world. —

Tessa Stuart, Rolling Stone, 10 Jan. 2025 According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: New Year's Day: Slight chance of rain and snow showers between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., then scattered flurries after 2 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 37 degrees. —

Sharon Coolidge, The Enquirer, 1 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for scatter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scatter

Noun

This list covers a handful of these places, but each one is uniquely beautiful and worth a visit.

— Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 16 Jan. 2025
In fact, the season ends with a dark gag that has the cast and studio set on fire — which is recognized via interviews in the documentary as written for an audience that only included a handful of men: NBC’s executives.

— Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Jan. 2025