disperse

1
as in to dissipate
to go off in different directions and cease to exist as a body or unified whole the crowd dispersed once the show ended

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to scatter
to cause (members of a group) to move widely apart the family of the missing woman dispersed searchers to all corners of the national park

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in to disband
to cease to exist or cause to cease to exist as a group or organization the campaign staff dispersed almost immediately after the election

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb disperse differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of disperse are dispel, dissipate, and scatter. While all these words mean "to cause to separate or break up," disperse implies a wider separation and a complete breaking up of a mass or group.

police dispersed the crowd

When can dispel be used instead of disperse?

Although the words dispel and disperse have much in common, dispel stresses a driving away or getting rid of as if by scattering.

an authoritative statement that dispelled all doubt

When could dissipate be used to replace disperse?

The meanings of dissipate and disperse largely overlap; however, dissipate stresses complete disintegration or dissolution and final disappearance.

the fog was dissipated by the morning sun

When would scatter be a good substitute for disperse?

The words scatter and disperse can be used in similar contexts, but scatter implies a force that drives parts or units irregularly in many directions.

the bowling ball scattered the pins

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 disperse South Korea would ensure that its nuclear weapons program would be well defended and dispersed across the country, so only a large surprise attack by North Korea would have any hope of success. Robert E. Kelly, Foreign Affairs, 30 Dec. 2024 After a foggy and overcast start to Christmas morning, the clouds dispersed, allowing the sun to come through. Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 25 Dec. 2024 Safety-net programs Programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants and Children (WIC) will continue dispersing aid during a shutdown. Brian Bennett, TIME, 20 Dec. 2024 To escape artillery, Gyeong Hong Jong said, troops should disperse into small groups and try to escape the dangerous area. David Brennan, ABC News, 29 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for disperse 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disperse
Verb
  • During the president-elect’s first term, Newsom and Trump also maintained a friendly behind-the-scenes relationship, which appears to have since dissipated.
    Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025
  • The tornado dissipated north of Walkers Ferry Road after traveling a total of 1.55 miles, according to the NWS.
    Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Like the others, customers will grab a coffee drink and sit at tables scattered amid the flora.
    Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 16 Jan. 2025
  • The handy tools are great to have in your purse, in your car, and scattered around your house to solve a variety of problems, so why not have one on hand in case of a snowy weather emergency?
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Austin's departure note said members of his civil rights team would continue their work in different organizations inside Meta, suggesting the team is being disbanded.
    Jessica Guynn, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2025
  • The organization has since been bought and formally disbanded.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Add a layer of snow and the lawn may disappear for months at a time.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2025
  • And yet, just before Mars disappears and later reappears from behind the moon, it likely will be overwhelmed by the moon's brilliance.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The Doors — which was once made of four members — continued as three, creating two more albums before dissolving in 1973, per The Doors website.
    Makena Gera, People.com, 12 Jan. 2025
  • Alcohol is a solvent, which means other things can dissolve in it.
    Nikki Crowley, The Conversation, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Sunlight had begun to fade, casting a shadow on the space.
    Colleen Shalby, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Naturally derived essential oils are difficult to stabilize and can fade or change over time, giving your perfume a shorter shelf life from the first spray to the last.
    Sable Yong, Allure, 17 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near disperse

Cite this Entry

“Disperse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disperse. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

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