DISPERSE Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

disperse

verb

di-ˈspərs

Definition of disperse next

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

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

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 Made from Polartec Power Stretch Pro, a dual-layer synthetic fabric with four-way stretch that wicks moisture from the skin and disperses it up and out for quick evaporation, the Power Tights were a go-to pick for our testers all winter. —

Samantha Berman, Outside Online, 29 Oct. 2024 Understanding the diets of these rambunctious cats may help prevent conflicts between the carnivores and people, and protect the species upon which dispersing cougars rely. —

Ben Goldfarb, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024 The black holes would cause this dark matter to vibrate like a bell rather than dispersing. —

Quanta Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024 These unrelated and geographically dispersed examples underscore the pharmaceutical industry's reliance on fragile supply chains, highlighting the urgent need for a reevaluation and restructuring. —

Oyku Ilgar, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for disperse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disperse

Verb

But a perennial desire for the macabre doesn’t just dissipate under the umbrella of good intentions.

Sarah Weinman, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2024
However, that drama quickly dissipated with the unexpected withdrawal of the No. 27 truck from Reaume Brothers Racing, piloted by team owner Josh Reaume.

Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024