as in handful
a small number
a smattering of guests at the art exhibit
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Recent Examples of smattering
Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2026
The Secret Garden necklace, inlaid with onyx, also includes a smattering of smaller diamond, emerald, and purple sapphire stones.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 13 Apr. 2026
The village at the top consists of two restaurants (the more expensive one has a view of a steep canyon and the blue Rio Grande below) and a smattering of houses.
—Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026
There’s also a smattering of hip-hop, including a 1988 concert by rap pioneers Boogie Down Productions.
—Christopher Weber, Fortune, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for smattering
Noun
Summer brings warm, sunny weather (though more crowds), while fall offers cooler temps and a smattering of changing leaves.
—Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2026
The Secret Garden necklace, inlaid with onyx, also includes a smattering of smaller diamond, emerald, and purple sapphire stones.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 13 Apr. 2026
The village at the top consists of two restaurants (the more expensive one has a view of a steep canyon and the blue Rio Grande below) and a smattering of houses.
—Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026
There’s also a smattering of hip-hop, including a 1988 concert by rap pioneers Boogie Down Productions.
—Christopher Weber, Fortune, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for smattering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smattering
Noun
-
Osvaldo displayed a handful of shiny quarters.—
Chang-rae Lee,
New Yorker,
3 May 2026
-
The Blue Demons are set to return Layden Blocker and Kruz McClure, while adding center Magoon Gwath from San Diego State and a handful of mid-major guards after losing leading duo CJ Gunn and NJ Benson.—
Joe Arruda,
Hartford Courant,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
The couple reportedly have a home in New York City, where the party could be held.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
2 May 2026
-
Bradford advises packing one blanket per family member, along with a couple of extras.—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
1 May 2026
Verb
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Benito finds community with the like-minded Pleneros de la Cresta, who have been playing the island’s pattering folk music for over a decade.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
2 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Further, Musk is accused of using the litigation as part of a harassment campaign trolling Altman.—
Ashley Belanger,
ArsTechnica,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Stokes seems to enjoy trolling the media and public a bit, too.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Hardcore Survivor fans love to discuss and debate the intricacies of the game and their favorite seasons and winners in the same way that sports fans enjoy chattering nonstop about their teams.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
25 Feb. 2026
-
This is the shelter’s busiest season, making for the film’s most vibrant, chattering section, and Hélène adapts well to the rhythm and volume of whatever company rolls in, while occasionally retreating to the woods for some respite.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Players started bleating, serenading James with sounds deserving of the GOAT — greatest of all time.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2026
-
Justin Fletcher returns as the bleating voice of Shaun and the flock, joined by John Sparkes, and Kate Harbour as voice talent in the dialog-free feature.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Maybe Bryce Eldridge and Jesús Rodriguez can kick-start the sputtering engine?—
Levi Weaver,
New York Times,
4 May 2026
-
So, the Dodgers’ offense has been sputtering as of late.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
In an eventual 57-point Hurricanes victory, Stevenson was balling and jabbering about it, too, to every Wildcats pass catcher within earshot.—
Dan Wiederer,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smattering. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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