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Definition of intersperse

intersperse

/ˌɪntərˈspɜːrs/
in · ter · sperse
Adjective:interspersed
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Past Simple:interspersed
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Past Participle:interspersed
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Present Participle:interspersing
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intersperse Lexical Profile

intersperse Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To scatter or place things at intervals among or between other things.

Example

"The professor decided to intersperse humorous anecdotes throughout his dense historical lecture to keep the students engaged."

2

To diversify or vary something by introducing other elements at intervals.

Example

"The landscaper chose to intersperse the gravel pathway with patches of fragrant creeping thyme."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for intersperse

• Nearby Words

intersession
intersex
interspecies
intersperse
interspersion
interstate
interstellar

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-16th century from the Latin participle 'interspersus', meaning 'scattered between', formed from 'inter-' ('between' or 'among') and 'spargere' ('to scatter' or 'to sprinkle').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Intersperse. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/intersperse
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