scattering 1 of 2

noun

ˈska-tə-riŋ How to pronounce scattering (audio)
Definition of scatteringnext
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

scattering

2 of 2

verb

present participle of scatter
1
as in dispersing
to cause (members of a group) to move widely apart the noise of the backfiring car scattered the pigeons

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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

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 scattering
Noun
And even outside the direct beam, the scattering of its photons through the atmosphere would create a still-bright smudge of light pollution in the surrounding night sky. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 16 July 2026 The old supermarket-style, functional interiors are gone, and in their place are sleek architectural details, a scattering of midcentury modern furniture and colorful LED screens broadcasting the M&S seasonal campaigns. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 13 July 2026
Verb
Skubal tossed five innings and allowed three runs while scattering four hits, issuing two walks and striking out six batters. — Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2026 And the ocean nymphs try out this wonder on more plants, and are delighted that the same thing happens at its touch, and repeat it by scattering the seeds from the plants through the waves. — Jan Tumlir, Artforum, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scattering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scattering
  1. dispersion
  2. handful
  3. dispersing
  4. spraying
  5. dissipating
  6. dispersal
  7. couple
  8. sprinkling
Noun
  • Stock pickers' market Lerner is not the only one noting the low correlation and high dispersion in the market.
    — Sarah Min, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Yet for some thinkers today the involuntary dispersion of the Jews (galut or golah) is articulated as being inherently different from the voluntary exile of the Jews (diaspora or tfutsot).
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 July 2026
Definition of dispersion
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
  • 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
  • Open clusters are young clusters of stars that were born together and are now gradually dispersing, and Auriga’s open clusters are some of the best and brightest of their kind in the night sky.
    — Gemma Lavender, Space.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of dispersing
Verb
  • Avoid spraying liquids directly to prevent damage to internal components and ports.
    — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 23 Aug. 2026
  • If additional hold is needed, Marjan recommends spraying Paul Mitchell Firm Hold Super Clean Extra Hairspray on the roots and brushing back before wrapping a second elastic around everything.
    — Marci Robin, Allure, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of spraying
Verb
  • If a black hole had a secret identity as an imperfect, energy-dissipating, viscous fluid, then an effective field theory for imperfect, energy-dissipating, viscous fluids should exist, too.
    — Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Fears about the decline of the big-screen experience amid the rise of at-home streaming seem to have begun dissipating.
    — David Sims, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of dissipating
Noun
  • The research also demonstrates the JWST is more than capable of studying the dispersal of gas and dust around individual infant stars.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 27 Aug. 2026
  • In addition to simulating the dispersal of defense production, Taiwan is throttling the island’s mobile network to show civilians what happens when internet services are disabled.
    — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of dispersal
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
  • Guests were encouraged to offer prayers by sprinkling tobacco, sage, white cedar, and sweetgrass on the fire.
    — Gregory Harutunian, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Wheat, rice, and corn flours are the three most common options for sprinkling over your soil.
    — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of sprinkling

Browse Nearby Words

scattered
scattering
scatterings
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on scattering

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scattering

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