Synonyms for

Atom

Verb / ˈætʌm / Another word for atom — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a basic unit of matter that consists of a central nucleus surrounded by negatively charged electrons

Synonyms & similar words

speck mote molecule corpuscle particle particle molecule element substance component unit bit grain speck whit trace smidgen fragment scrap crumb shred snippet tittle iota jot

Synonyms by register

Formal

particle corpuscle element constituent

Informal

bit smidgen speck jot

Literary

mote crumb

Antonyms

whole entirety multitude mass aggregate collection universe

Common collocations

  • atomic structure
  • atomic bomb
  • atomic energy
  • atomic weight
  • atomic number
  • atomic theory
  • atomic mass
  • atomic radius

Word family

noun atom
adjective atomic

Usage note

While 'atom' historically meant an indivisible particle, modern science understands it as divisible into subatomic particles. In common usage, it can also refer to a very small amount of something.

Example sentences

  1. An atom is too small to be seen by the naked eye.
  2. Atoms combine to form molecules.
  3. The atom has a positively charged nucleus at its center.
  4. The chemical properties of an atom depend on the number of electrons in its outer shell.
  5. The atom is the smallest unit of an element that retains the chemical properties of that element.

Quotes

  • The atom is a way of thinking about nature that is convenient for certain purposes.
  • The atom is a particle of matter that cannot be further divided without losing its essential properties.
  • The atom is a window into the nature of reality.

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words