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

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

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

The $115 silhouette’s upper, heel and platform edge are covered in mixed-size rhinestones, with the scatter looking closer to raindrops on glass than a more uniform crystal pavé. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 23 June 2026 On a rimmed baking sheet, scatter sliced white onions. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 June 2026

Verb

Granted, Mercury can scatter itself across too many possibilities, which is where Virgo comes in to sort, edit, categorize and ultimately improve the situation. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026 Richard and Doris Denney requested in their will that their ashes be scattered in the lake. — Swasti Singhai, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scatter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scatter

Noun

Investors have fretted that Nvidia's growth has been driven by a handful of large technology companies called hyperscalers, which are building out data centers that end up largely serving a few frontier labs such as OpenAI.

— Kif Leswing, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
Craig set a handful of records, including career touchdown passes (52) and career passing yards (6,074) while with the Crimson.

— Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of handful

Verb

At one point, police appeared to use pepper spray to disperse an area of the crowd, but a festive vibe quickly resumed.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026
The Retired Police Canine Foundation was selected as the recipient of these funds and is in charge of dispersing them to handlers across the state.

— Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of disperse

Noun

How happy couples avoid this fight Healthy couples absolutely still notice when things are lopsided.

— Mark Travers, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026
Outdoor bars and tents are being set up for the crowds expected for the bull-riding event that evening, and couples of all ages hold hands and wander the brick streets.

— Christine Lennon, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of couple

Verb

However, the Tar Heels have some dangerous playmakers sprinkled around the roster, including sophomore running back Demon June and junior wide receiver Jordan Shipp, who had 84 yards against TCU last season.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026
Coltrane is also deeply interested in the Buddhist principles of karma and dharma, or the moral duties and obligations to a right way of life, which are sprinkled throughout the novel.

— Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of sprinkle

Verb

Up to half of the more than 200,000 mountain glaciers — vast, slow moving rivers of ice that creep across the world’s peaks — are expected to disappear by the end of this century, even if ambitious climate goals are met.

— Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
Among the habitats Steinbach filmed are tidal floodplain forests, a landscape type that has largely disappeared in Europe.

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of disappear

Noun

The Gators are returning two full-time starters on the offensive line (Knijeah Harris and Caden Jones, bless them), who will be surrounded by a scattering of transfers.

— Noah White, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026
Part of that prep includes the scattering of limbs and bodies, which are made by House of the Dragon’s very busy prosthetics team headed up by designer Waldo Mason.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of scattering

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scatted

scatter

scatterbrain

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“Scatter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scatter. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of scatter

noun

verb

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