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

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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

The dye molecules reduce the amount light scatters in the skin tissue. —

Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 6 Sep. 2024 How quickly provenance scatters in the digital winds. —

Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 2024

Verb

And just like the album title suggests, that's exactly how our readers order their hashbrowns: scattered, smothered, and covered. —

Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2024 Today there are more than 250 stores across the country and five kiosks scattered throughout Los Angeles International Airport terminals, which, when the holiday travel rush gets underway, may be the perfect place to stock up on last-minute stocking stuffers — Santa-shaped or otherwise. —

Adam Tschorn, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scatter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scatter

Noun

Hermès is one of a handful of brands that consistently goes off-book from the classic application of traditional crafts like enameling, miniature painting, marketry and engraving, using the watch dial as a canvas for all manner of designs.

Carol Besler, Robb Report, 21 Nov. 2024
The beauty brand is currently offering a handful of early Black Friday deals on some of their best-selling makeup products like the Shape Tape Concealer and the Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer.

Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 20 Nov. 2024