intersperse

[in-ter-spurs]

verb (used with object)

interspersed, interspersing 

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

Other Word Forms

• interspersedly adverb
• interspersion noun
• interspersal noun
• uninterspersed 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

The website for Oura, maker of the smart ring that tracks your heart rate, movement and other health metrics, features screenshots of its app interspersed with reassuring reminders in italicized serif.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

This means spells of rain and wind at times interspersed with calmer and drier interludes.

Read more on BBC

Expect areas of fog, showers interspersed with brighter spells and some thunderstorms.

Read more on BBC

It captures the star as she falls in love with American Footballer Travis Kelce; interspersed with cautionary - and sometimes catty - tales about the music industry.

Read more on BBC

Lee surrounds himself with a network of well-meaning people who take care of each other, interspersed with assorted ne’er-do-wells.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• infuse 
• pepper 
• sprinkle