intersperse

verb

in·​ter·​sperse ˌin-tər-ˈspərs How to pronounce intersperse (audio)
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
interspersion
ˌin-tər-ˈspər-zhən How to pronounce intersperse (audio)
-shən
noun

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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.

Synonyms of intersperse

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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.
Mounds of boulder star coral, interspersed with elkhorn and staghorn, shelter Caribbean spiny lobsters and green moray eels. — Sarah Bruning, Travel + Leisure, 6 Aug. 2026 Live broadcasts of the volcano’s activity show periods of complete clarity interspersed with ash emissions. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026 Despite generally dry conditions, spring rain, interspersed with periods of above-average temperatures, supported widespread growth of grasses, shrubs and other vegetation across the Northwest. — John Abatzoglou, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 2026 Sea bass crudo is a refreshing start, the succulent slices of fish interspersed with fresh mango and bits of teardrop pepper. — Connie Ogle july 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 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

Rhymes for intersperse

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Browse Nearby Words

interspersal
intersperse
interspersedly
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Cite this Entry

“Intersperse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intersperse. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

intersperse

verb
in·​ter·​sperse ˌint-ər-ˈspərs How to pronounce intersperse (audio)
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
interspersion
-ˈspər-zhən How to pronounce intersperse (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on intersperse

Nglish: Translation of intersperse for Spanish Speakers

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