scatter 1 of 2

scatter

2 of 2

verb

1
2
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

3
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

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 scatter
Noun
Fast-food and healthcare spend has been particularly strong in second-quarter scatter, although Johnston acknowledged that investment across the direct-to-consumer space has been disrupted by a glut in supply. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 11 May 2025 If the ongoing expansion of the NFL’s national inventory should keep CPM hikes in check during the upfront selloff, the league’s media partners may counter by holding back more units for scatter. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 11 May 2025
Verb
Meanwhile, Ohio has more than 460 Speedway locations (the most in the U.S.) scattered across the state, according to ScrapHero. Jason Rossi, The Enquirer, 11 July 2025 Colors with shorter wavelengths, such as blues and violets, scatter more easily than colors with longer wavelengths, which include red and orange. John Tufts, The Courier-Journal, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for scatter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scatter
Noun
  • 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
  • Let’s review… ATTENDANCE Despite a handful of group stage games played in front of small crowds, the total attendance over the month was 2.49 million and the average attendance was 39,547.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • When dry, the seed heads shatter to disperse the seed.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2025
  • However, those seeking a cultural experience should go in September or October, when the masses disperse, and the calmer charms of Amalfi emerge.
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • Equipped with 26 powerful spray jets,12internal directional sprays, and 10 external swirling jets, this automatic baby bottle cleaner ensures no residue or buildup remains, even in hard-to-reach spots.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 8 July 2025
  • Vector control officials in the Sacramento region are spraying insecticide to limit the spread of West Nile.
    Ethan Wolin July 7, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • Whatever value DeVito’s playbook knowledge provided should have dissipated since the experienced Wilson and Winston had the entire spring to learn the offense.
    Dan Duggan, New York Times, 9 July 2025
  • Another 1 to 2 inches is expected to fall before the rain dissipates this afternoon.
    Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • Typically, the ring bearer is a young boy or girl and is either the couple’s own child, a relative, or a close family friend.
    Shelby Wax, Vogue, 10 July 2025
  • During a chunk of the 2020-2021 flurry of backyard biz, neighborhood negotiation, perfecting recipes and opening that first brick-and-mortar, cofounder and chief brand officer Gabby was also pregnant with the couple’s third child.
    Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Then sprinkle cocoa powder on the top to balance the flavors.
    Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 July 2025
  • Today, the cenotes sprinkled across the Yucatán Peninsula are the perfect place to cool off during the heat of the day.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • The child disappeared in June of that year but wasn’t reported missing until July when Caylee’s grandmother learned that Anthony hadn’t seen her daughter in a month.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 12 July 2025
  • The authors hope to continue to investigate how other developmental genes across other sea spider species may have appeared or disappeared throughout their life history, per Earth.com, potentially affecting their abdomens.
    Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • The quaint town is still dotted with old ceramic workshops, and some showrooms and museums like the and home to the Musée Magnelli, Musée de la Céramique, housed in a 16th-century château.
    Natalie Stoclet, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • Yachts dot the harbor of Positano, and the beach clubs are bouncing.
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Scatter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scatter. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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