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

Line Islands corals show a similar mean increase but far wider scatter, which the researchers partly attribute to these records’ reliance on oxygen isotopes alone. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026 Instead of absorbing light, these arrangements bend and scatter wavelengths in ways that only allow certain hues to remain visible. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 26 Aug. 2026

Verb

From water bottles and shopping bags to tools, chargers, and emergency supplies, everyday items can quickly become scattered throughout your vehicle. — New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026 Answers are scattered across systems that were never built to talk to each other. — Ryan Austin, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scatter

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scatter

Noun

An introduction involving Spider-Man and a tank expanded from a handful of words into 11 shots and roughly 52 seconds of footage.

— Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
But as the technology and its use by federal agencies expands, a handful of people have taken matters into their own hands.

— Hannah Chinn, NPR, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of handful

Verb

A lot of the time, Deadline first exclusively breaks news that disperses to other outlets and, eventually, social media.

— The Deadline Team, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026
Late Tuesday, a student rally turned violent, with demonstrators smashing shop windows and rioting as police used tear gas to disperse the crowds.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of disperse

Verb

Yet after spraying the stuff up his nose for just three days, KFF notes the peptide user fell seriously ill.

— Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 14 Oct. 2026
Eyeline wants artists to adjust water’s velocity, viscosity and turbulence with keyframes, and add foam or spray without altering the underlying simulation.

— Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of spray

Verb

During the filming of an explosion scene featuring him alongside his co-star Leonard Nimoy, the stage doors were accidentally left closed, preventing the blast from dissipating properly.

— Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Storage casks therefore include ventilation openings that help dissipate heat.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of dissipate

Noun

Jeff said couples have set prices from $25 to $150 a seat, with an average of about $50.

— Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
The Afghan couple raised her for 18 months, but during that time the Masts also obtained a final adoption order from a Virginia court without notifying them.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of couple

Verb

Set the scene The hotel is located in the town of Lenox, home to a balanced blend of family locals with young tourists sprinkled very sparsely throughout.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2026
Drizzle with spicy lime dressing and scallion oil and sprinkle with peanuts and sesame seeds.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of sprinkle

Verb

Daily housekeeping hasn’t disappeared, but travelers can no longer assume every property follows the same schedule.

— Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026
What concerns me is how quickly those everyday conveniences can disappear when something goes wrong with a retailer's technology.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of disappear

Noun

Researchers are working to reduce unwanted light scattering, which can affect measurement stability.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026
Americans and a scattering of Europeans in search of the fabled Dolce Vita of this coast, and the trend of Asian and Middle East guests who are fans of the brand.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of scattering

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scatted

scatter

scatterbrain

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Style

“Scatter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scatter. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of scatter

noun

verb

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