intersperse

[ in-ter-spurs ]

verb (used with object)

, in·ter·spersed, in·ter·spers·ing.

1. to scatter here and there or place at intervals among other things:

   to intersperse flowers among shrubs.

   Synonyms: sprinkle, strew

2. to diversify with something placed or scattered at intervals:

   to intersperse a dull speech with interesting anecdotes.

intersperse

/ ˌɪntəˈspɜːs; ˌɪntəˈspɜːsɪdlɪ; ˌɪntəˈspɜːʃən /

verb

1. to scatter or distribute among, between, or on
2. to diversify (something) with other things scattered here and there

Derived Forms

• interspersedly, adverb
• interspersion, noun

Other Words From

• in·ter·spers·ed·ly [in-ter-, spur, -sid-lee], adverb
• in·ter·sper·sion [in-ter-, spur, -zh, uh, n, -sh, uh, n], inter·spersal noun
• unin·ter·spersed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of intersperse¹

1560–70; < Latin interspersus (past participle of interspergere to strew here and there), equivalent to inter- inter- + -spersus, combining form of sparsus, past participle of spargere to scatter; disperse

Word History and Origins

Origin of intersperse¹

C16: from Latin interspargere, from inter- + spargere to sprinkle

Example Sentences

Here’s a timeline of statements by Pompeo on the agreement and his dealings with the Taliban, interspersed with data and facts about the conflict.

From Washington Post

Instead of hours of video calling, intersperse long conferences with shorter voice calls or quick direct messages.

From Digiday

The genetic tweaks that make humans uniquely human may come in small parcels interspersed with DNA inherited from extinct ancestors and cousins.

From Science News

My favorite one is called a SINE, a noncoding RNA called “short interspersed nuclear element.”

From Nautilus

Questlove spent months with the tapes, and then interspersed clips with interviews and other historical footage to create Summer of Soul, which is not just a concert film but a portrait of a transformative moment in America.

From Time

Our author is wont to break off suddenly and intersperse his arguments with affectionate words of exhortation.

From Project Gutenberg

That a grave historian should intersperse the innumerable trivialities of the Worthies may be only less shocking.

From Project Gutenberg

Intersperse the pieces of chicken with layers of paste in square slices.

From Project Gutenberg

Some funny incidents too, intersperse themselves from time to time.

From Project Gutenberg

These kind of observations you have always wished me to intersperse, as they arise to my thoughts.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• infuse
• pepper
• sprinkle