tattered 1 of 2

Definition of tatterednext

tattered

2 of 2

verb

past tense of tatter
as in ripped
to cause (something) to separate into jagged pieces by violently pulling at it the little boy tattered that blanket beyond repair by repeatedly yanking on it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of tattered
Adjective
Elsewhere, Jenna Ortega’s tattered Christian Cowan slip dress featured a thigh-high slit that would make Jolie proud. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2026 The green cornice crowning the roofline had begun to fade, while layers of black paint and tattered posters peeled from the building’s exterior. Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 1 Mar. 2026 Enter Tyrannio, a Greek specialist in literature and libraries, owner of some 30,000 scrolls and famed expert on Aristotle — in fact, the same man responsible for restoring the philosopher’s tattered library after it was hauled to Rome. Big Think, 9 Feb. 2026 Concerns about the project and the tattered state of the street have been raised at local community planning meetings, with some wondering whether the work had stalled for some reason. Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tattered
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tattered
Adjective
  • Rustan picked Sugar up as a rescue from the streets of Los Angeles, the small pooch missing three of her bottom teeth and in ragged shape.
    Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Getting the right amount of quality sleep can have huge health benefits, while getting poor sleep — or not enough — could leave you running ragged.
    Wakisha Bailey, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The names of the oldest Metro stations also contained micro-histories, so too the faded playbills of the theaters and chipped words at the tramcar stop.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Actress Letitia Wright attended a Prada event in a faded denim and leather jacket.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The words could have been ripped from Davie’s final speech.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Thieves broke the windows of several cars in Lakeview and ripped out the airbags from the steering wheels.
    Shardaa Gray, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The works retain visible traces of labor—knots, frayed edges, layered threads—emphasizing the physical act of making.
    Olga Garcia-Mayoral, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The present calamity is only exacerbated by the problems that already existed in their frayed union of over 20 years — including narcissistic tendencies for him and accountability issues for her.
    Sarah Rodman, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The Chimney Rock Fire Department served as both refuge and command post when Helene tore through western North Carolina, bringing mudslides and flash flooding that ripped apart homes and washed away roads.
    Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Joaquín Panichelli tore his right ACL while training with Argentina last week and underwent surgery on Thursday.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Back home for the first time in 561 days after Hurricane Milton shredded the roof and caused extensive damage throughout the stadium, the Rays beat the Chicago Cubs 6-4 on Monday in front of a sellout crowd of 25,114.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 Apr. 2026
  • The tomato sauce is hand-crushed from a blend of tomatoes, herbs are grown in a garden behind the restaurant, and the cheese is shredded fresh daily.
    Tristan Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tattered.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tattered. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on tattered

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster