as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity
the clatter of a crowded cafeteria
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Recent Examples of clatter
Arkansas Online, 24 Aug. 2025
And at InterContinental Indianapolis, traditional ice machines were removed in favor of bagged ice at quieter hydration stations, eliminating the disruptive clatter of refilling.
—Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 22 Aug. 2025
Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 20 Nov. 2025
Worthy dumped a big bag of Skittles into the bowl, eagerly watching the colorful candies clatter into the bowl.
—Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clatter
Noun
Only Spagnuolo's voice can be heard over the low clatter of cutlery and coffee cups, suggesting the conversation was captured in a cafe or some other public place.
—Arkansas Online, 24 Aug. 2025
And at InterContinental Indianapolis, traditional ice machines were removed in favor of bagged ice at quieter hydration stations, eliminating the disruptive clatter of refilling.
—Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
Then, a mannequin clatters to the floor from the ceiling and breaks apart.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 20 Nov. 2025
Worthy dumped a big bag of Skittles into the bowl, eagerly watching the colorful candies clatter into the bowl.
—Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clatter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clatter
Noun
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During the commotion, the agent’s shaky cellphone video shows houses along the street and views of the sky.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
10 Jan. 2026
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In the heat of the moment, though, Certa was clearly walking after one of the officials, but Shrewsberry came barreling in as the official turned around to see the commotion.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
3 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In the video, large-caliber guns can be heard rattling as vehicles maneuver through urban streets.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
21 Jan. 2026
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The issue has ratcheted up trans-Atlantic tensions and rattled the NATO military alliance.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
20 Jan. 2026
Noun
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In 2021, the California Coastal Commission said the display should be moved from La Jolla Cove, citing potential disturbance of sea lions at Point La Jolla and a failure of organizers to secure necessary permitting in time.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Jan. 2026
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Fatigue, poor concentration, sleep disturbances, appetite changes and social withdrawal are also red flags, in addition to thoughts about dying or suicidal ideations.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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With tour groups of kids laughing, heels clacking, gavels slamming as leaders bring lawmakers to order.—
Rachel E. Stassen-Berger,
Des Moines Register,
8 Jan. 2026
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Emily said the sound of the keys clacking still resonates today, per ABC.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Light, floaty, and romantic, Pottery Barn’s voile bed skirt could easily skew frilly—but bright white cotton and sleek elegant folds help the design steer clear of fuss.—
Shoko Wanger,
Architectural Digest,
20 Jan. 2026
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While bars rely on a deep fryer, that’s just too much fuss and mess for most of us.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
18 Jan. 2026
Noun
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After a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Chelsea on November 1, a scoreline that does not reflect Tottenham’s ineptitude that day, Van de Ven and Djed Spence caused a stir by ignoring Frank’s attempts to keep the duo on the pitch to applaud the fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.—
Elias Burke,
New York Times,
16 Jan. 2026
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For Indiana’s part, their Heisman-winning quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, grew up in the 305, so his grand return to the city is also causing a stir among locals.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
16 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Asked who currently has the edge on the course, Smith doesn’t hesitate a beat but graciously allows that the current skills gap could close in a hurry.—
Mike Dojc,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
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In 2026, Trump will again dominate, a president in a hurry to reshape the global order.—
Kamal Ahmed,
Fortune,
19 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Integrated linear actuators provide high power density with low noise, supporting stable, agile, and coordinated whole-body movement.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
13 Jan. 2026
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There are two immutable truths that govern the NFL playoffs — unwritten rules that cut through the noise of EPA models and talking-head bluster.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clatter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clatter. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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