Spatter vs. Sprinkle — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 17, 2024
Spatter refers to splashing small drops of liquid irregularly, while sprinkle involves scattering small amounts of a substance evenly over a surface.
Difference Between Spatter and Sprinkle
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Spatter involves the irregular, often forceful, distribution of small droplets of liquid. This term is commonly used to describe scenarios where liquid hits a surface with some degree of impact, creating a messy or scattered effect. Sprinkle, on the other hand, refers to the even distribution of small particles or drops over a surface, typically in a gentle manner. This term is often used in contexts involving the deliberate and controlled dispersal of substances, such as water, sugar, or seeds.
Spatter is usually associated with liquids and implies a lack of control, resulting in an uneven spread. It often conveys a sense of messiness or unintended spread, commonly seen in cooking, painting, or accidents involving liquids. Sprinkle, in contrast, is more controlled and deliberate, implying a light and even distribution. It is commonly associated with gardening, cooking, and weather phenomena like light rain.
Spatter often results in larger, irregular drops and is usually related to an action causing a splash. For example, "The mud spattered as the car drove through the puddle." Sprinkle tends to produce finer particles or drops that cover a larger area more uniformly. For example, "She sprinkled some herbs over the dish for garnish."
Comparison Chart
Definition
Splashing small drops irregularly
Scattering small amounts evenly
Common Associations
Liquids, messiness, lack of control
Particles, even distribution, control
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Typical Contexts
Painting, cooking, accidents
Cooking, gardening, light rain
Implication of Spread
Irregular and messy
Even and controlled
Example Sentence
"The paint spattered on the floor."
"She sprinkled sugar on the cake."
Compare with Definitions
Spatter
To cover a surface with drops or spots of liquid.
The soup spattered on the stovetop as it boiled.
Sprinkle
To scatter in drops or particles
Sprinkled sugar on the cereal.
Spatter
To cause a liquid to be thrown about in small drops.
The artist's brush spattered paint everywhere.
Sprinkle
To scatter drops or particles on
Sprinkled the buns with flour.
Spatter
An irregular scattering of droplets.
There was a spatter of blood on the floor.
Sprinkle
To intersperse with something as if by scattering
Sprinkled his speech with quotations.
Spatter
To make a series of small, splashing noises.
The oil spattered in the hot pan.
Sprinkle
To distribute or intersperse at random
Sprinkled jokes throughout the speech.
Spatter
To scatter (a liquid, for example) in drops or small amounts
Spattered the paint on the canvas.
Sprinkle
To scatter something in drops or particles.
Spatter
To spot, splash, or soil with drops or small amounts
The passing car spattered my pants with mud.
Sprinkle
To fall or rain in small or infrequent drops.
Spatter
To strike or land on in a dispersed way
Rain spattered the pavement.
Sprinkle
The act of sprinkling.
Spatter
To come forth in drops or small amounts
Hot grease spattered in all directions.
Sprinkle
A light rainfall.
Spatter
To fall in a shower or make contact in a dispersed way, as rain or bullets.
Sprinkle
A small amount; a sprinkling.
Spatter
The act or an instance of spattering
A spatter of mud on his pants.
Sprinkle
Sprinkles Small particles of candy sprinkled on ice cream as a topping.
Spatter
A spattering sound
Awakened by the spatter of rain on the window.
Sprinkle
(transitive) To cause (a substance) to fall in fine drops (for a liquid substance) or small pieces (for a solid substance).
The confectioner sprinkled icing sugar over the cakes.
Spatter
A drop or splash of something spattered
Spatters of paint on his shoes.
Sprinkle
(transitive) To cover (an object) by sprinkling a substance on to it.
The confectioner sprinkled the cakes with icing sugar.
Spatter
A small amount; a smattering
Just a spatter of praise.
Sprinkle
(intransitive) To drip in fine drops, sometimes sporadically.
It sprinkled outside all day long.
Spatter
(transitive) To splash (someone or something) with small droplets.
When my wet chihuahua shook himself, I was spattered with smelly water.
Sprinkle
(intransitive) To rain very lightly outside.
It sprinkled very early in the morning.
Spatter
To cover, or lie upon (something) by having been scattered, as if by splashing.
Sprinkle
(transitive) To baptize by the application of a few drops, or a small quantity, of water; hence, to cleanse; to purify.
Spatter
(transitive) To distribute (a liquid) by sprinkling; to sprinkle around.
To spatter blood
Sprinkle
A light covering with a sprinkled substance.
He decorated the Christmas card with a sprinkle of glitter.
Spatter
To send out or disperse (something) as if in droplets.
Sprinkle
A light rain shower.
Spatter
(intransitive) To send out small droplets; to splash in small droplets (on or against something).
Make sure the pieces of fish are dry before you put them into the hot oil so that it doesn’t spatter.
Sprinkle
An aspersorium or utensil for sprinkling.
Spatter
To injure by aspersion; to defame.
Sprinkle
A small hard piece of sugar and starch, or chocolate, used to decorate cakes etc.
Spatter
A spray or shower of droplets hitting a surface.
Sprinkle
To scatter in small drops or particles, as water, seed, etc.
Spatter
A spot or spots of a substance spattered on a surface.
There was what looked like a spatter of blood on one wall.
Sprinkle
To scatter on; to disperse something over in small drops or particles; to besprinkle; as, to sprinkle the earth with water; to sprinkle a floor with sand.
Spatter
The sound of droplets hitting a surface.
Sprinkle
To baptize by the application of a few drops, or a small quantity, of water; hence, to cleanse; to purify.
Having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience.
Spatter
(figuratively) A burst or series of sounds resembling the sound of droplets hitting a surface.
Sprinkle
To scatter a liquid, or any fine substance, so that it may fall in particles.
And the priest shall . . . sprinkle of the oil with his finger seven times before the Lord.
Spatter
(figuratively) A collection of objects scattered like droplets splashed onto a surface.
Sprinkle
To rain moderately, or with scattered drops falling now and then; as, it sprinkles.
Spatter
To sprinkle with a liquid or with any wet substance, as water, mud, or the like; to make wet of foul spots upon by sprinkling; as, to spatter a coat; to spatter the floor; to spatter boots with mud.
Upon any occasion he is to be spattered over with the blood of his people.
Sprinkle
To fly or be scattered in small drops or particles.
Spatter
To distribute by sprinkling; to sprinkle around; as, to spatter blood.
Sprinkle
A small quantity scattered, or sparsely distributed; a sprinkling.
Spatter
Fig.: To injure by aspersion; to defame; to soil; also, to throw out in a defamatory manner.
Sprinkle
A utensil for sprinkling; a sprinkler.
Spatter
To throw something out of the mouth in a scattering manner; to sputter.
That mind must needs be irrecoverably depraved, which, . . . tasting but once of one just deed, spatters at it, and abhors the relish ever after.
Sprinkle
A light shower that falls in some locations and not others nearby
Spatter
The noise of something spattering or sputtering explosively;
He heard a spatter of gunfire
Sprinkle
The act of sprinkling or splashing water;
Baptized with a sprinkling of holy water
A sparge of warm water over the malt
Spatter
The act of splashing a (liquid) substance on a surface
Sprinkle
Distribute loosely;
He scattered gun powder under the wagon
Spatter
Dash a liquid upon or against;
The mother splashed the baby's face with water
Sprinkle
Cause (a liquid) to spatter about, especially with force;
She splashed the water around her
Spatter
Rain gently;
It has only sprinkled, but the roads are slick
Sprinkle
Rain gently;
It has only sprinkled, but the roads are slick
Spatter
Spot, splash, or soil;
The baby spattered the bib with food
Sprinkle
Scatter with liquid; wet lightly;
Sprinkle the lawn
Spatter
To splash or scatter liquid in small drops.
The rain spattered against the window.
Sprinkle
To scatter or distribute small particles or drops over a surface.
She sprinkled salt on her fries.
Sprinkle
To disperse something lightly and evenly.
The gardener sprinkled seeds in the flowerbed.
Sprinkle
To cause small amounts of a substance to fall in drops.
The baker sprinkled flour on the dough.
Sprinkle
A light, even covering of a substance.
There was a sprinkle of snow on the ground.
Sprinkle
To apply or distribute in small quantities.
He likes to sprinkle pepper on his pasta.
Common Curiosities
What does sprinkle mean?
Sprinkle means to scatter small amounts of a substance evenly over a surface.
What does spatter mean?
Spatter means to splash small drops of liquid irregularly.
Is spatter used for liquids or solids?
Spatter is typically used for liquids.
Does spatter imply control?
No, spatter implies a lack of control and often results in a messy spread.
How is sprinkle used in a sentence?
E.g., "She sprinkled sugar on top of the cake."
Can spatter be associated with noise?
Yes, spatter can be associated with a series of small, splashing noises.
Does sprinkle imply control?
Yes, sprinkle implies a controlled and even distribution.
Does sprinkle involve larger or smaller particles?
Sprinkle involves smaller, finer particles or drops.
How is spatter used in a sentence?
E.g., "The paint spattered on the floor as the artist worked."
Is sprinkle usually intentional or accidental?
Sprinkle is usually intentional and controlled.
Is sprinkle used for liquids or solids?
Sprinkle can be used for both liquids and solids, usually in small particles.
Can sprinkle be associated with weather?
Yes, sprinkle can refer to light rain.
Is spatter usually intentional or accidental?
Spatter is often accidental or unintentional.
Does spatter involve larger or smaller drops?
Spatter involves larger, irregular drops.
Can spatter and sprinkle be used interchangeably?
No, they have different implications regarding the method and outcome of distribution.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
