dispel

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb dispel differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of dispel are disperse, dissipate, and scatter. While all these words mean "to cause to separate or break up," dispel stresses a driving away or getting rid of as if by scattering.

an authoritative statement that dispelled all doubt

When would disperse be a good substitute for dispel?

While in some cases nearly identical to dispel, disperse implies a wider separation and a complete breaking up of a mass or group.

police dispersed the crowd

When could dissipate be used to replace dispel?

The words dissipate and dispel can be used in similar contexts, but dissipate stresses complete disintegration or dissolution and final disappearance.

the fog was dissipated by the morning sun

When might scatter be a better fit than dispel?

The meanings of scatter and dispel largely overlap; however, scatter implies a force that drives parts or units irregularly in many directions.

the bowling ball scattered the pins

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 dispel There is also a ton of economic data next week that could support or dispel the economic slowdown debate. Jeff Marks, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2025 The regime’s collapse should also dispel at last the persistent myth that the Arab Spring was a mirage. Marwan Muasher, Foreign Affairs, 21 Feb. 2025 The duo has also sought to dispel accusations that the Biden administration left them behind. Jackie Wattles, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025 The responsibility then falls on those who believe in equity and justice to disprove the lies, dispel myths, and dispense accurate information about DEI. Janice Gassam Asare, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dispel

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Cite this Entry

“Dispel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dispel. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on dispel

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