scattershot

adjective

scat·​ter·​shot ˈska-tər-ˌshät How to pronounce scattershot (audio)
Synonyms of scattershotnext
: broadly and often randomly inclusive : shotgun
scattershot advice
scattershot planning

Examples of scattershot in a Sentence

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.
His albums have always embraced scattershot indulgence, with 18 or 25 or 34 tracks trying to capture his life and logic in toto. — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 2026 The most prominent front-group involved in this scattershot terrorist campaign has been Harakat Ashab al Yamin al Islamiyah. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2026 The singing is spectacular all around, but the ensemble has a scattershot feel. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026 An undefined position means scattershot and inconsistent AI usage at your company. — Rob Black, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scattershot

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scattershot was in 1951

Rhymes for scattershot

See All Rhymes for scattershot

Browse Nearby Words

scatter rug
scattershot
scattery
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scattershot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scattershot. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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