ragged 1 of 2

Definition of raggednext
1
as in jagged
having an uneven edge or outline the Rocky Mountains cut an angular, ragged profile against the sky, in contrast to the rounded silhouette of the rolling, green Adirondack Mountains

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2
3
4
as in raggedy
wearing torn or worn-out clothes ragged and hungry refugees emerging from the jungle where they had been in hiding for weeks

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ragged

2 of 2

verb

past tense of rag

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 ragged
Adjective
This leaves ragged and bruised leaf tips behind that quickly turn brown and are more susceptible to disease. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026 Any cut edges should be even, not ragged. Sheena Chihak, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
On that night in March, to the surprise of nobody, Arsenal ran their mid-table Premier League hosts ragged, beating them 5-1, with Henry and Freddie Ljungberg scoring twice, and Kolo Toure netting the other. Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 11 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ragged
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ragged
Adjective
  • If the stem is still attached or the scar looks jagged and raised, the fruit was likely picked too early and may not be as sweet.
    Sheela Prakash, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Apr. 2026
  • And Cello Pete, who has collaborated with Hersh for years, added much to the proceedings, with his lush string work providing an important counterbalance to Hersh’s jagged guitar lines.
    Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In the foreground of the painting was a car encampment with a tattered floral sheet woven through the windows, cloth tarps and couch cushions creating a shield against the elements.
    Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Many wore tattered flip-flops or shoes that offered little protection.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Luxury players are showing an uneven recovery following a boom that ended in 2022.
    Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2026
  • The uneven access across states can exacerbate disparities.
    Moriah Balingit, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Leon scolded Justice Department attorneys for arguing that the entire project needed to go forward for national security reasons, before previously distinguishing between the bunker below ground and the ballroom above ground.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Government officials scolded young people for the signs of disrespect.
    Justin Spike, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • For the second time in a week, the Dodgers made a minor-league acquisition of a faded pitching prospect with impressive velocity but poor control.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 18 Apr. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Jenner is pictured wearing a pair of faded yellow jeans and a white tank top, paired with a belly chain.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Netflix’s bracingly nasty action-thriller Apex is a fine addition, plonking the star down in a rugged Australian landscape and throwing nature’s formidable might at her while stirring a psychotic serial killer into the mix.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026
  • For Grylls, however, the attire is a uniform for a job that bridges the gap between A-list glamour and rugged human experience.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Ratmoko is also a photographer, writer, and scholar who has lectured on intercultural communication schools including Yale University and the University of Zurich.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 11 Apr. 2026
  • During orientation, new hires are lectured that Kino wants to protect users from harmful images; meanwhile, their boss, Josh (Jermaine Fowler), would cut out his own spleen on camera to keep people’s eyeballs on the app.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Spring is typically prime time for the housing market, but this year’s season is off to a rough start.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
  • The star also gets a rough ride from many of the elementary school interviewees that allows the unlikely gardening enthusiast to embrace his more familiar manchild.
    Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 22 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ragged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ragged. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.

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