interspersed; interspersing
Synonyms of interspersenext

transitive verb

1
: to insert at intervals among other things
interspersing drawings throughout the text
2
: to place something at intervals in or among
intersperse a book with pictures

Did you know?

Intersperse comes from Latin interspersus, a combination of the prefix inter- ("between or among") and sparsus, the past participle of spargere, meaning "to scatter." Sparsus is also the source of sparse.

Examples of intersperse in a Sentence

You should intersperse these pictures evenly throughout the book. Some seagulls were interspersed among the ducks.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Just pick three or four different solid hues and intersperse as desired. Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 19 June 2026 As mourners talked quietly, nursery rhymes were interspersed with traditional gospel hymns. Bracey Harris, NBC news, 28 June 2026 With seven miles of shoreline, the 892-acre park has plenty of space to explore tidal wetlands interspersed with farmland and upland forests. Simon Davidson, Travel + Leisure, 19 June 2026 Nolan seems to be striving for geographic realism interspersed with violent and fantastic episodes. David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for intersperse

Word History

Etymology

Latin interspersus interspersed, from inter- + sparsus, past participle of spargere to scatter — more at spark

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of intersperse was in 1566

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Cite this Entry

“Intersperse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intersperse. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

intersperse

verb
interspersed; interspersing
1
: to set here and there among other things
intersperse pictures in a book
2
: to vary with things inserted here and there
interspersed the photo album with her poetry

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