ragged 1 of 2

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
The architecture matches the vibe; there's bloodlust in the air and even among the ragged fans who camp along the road outside. Neda Ulaby, NPR, 19 Sep. 2025 But what really won the people over is the intensely conditioning formula that transforms dry, ragged cuticles with a potent blend of black algae, açai berry, and black caviar extract. Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025 As such, his absence tore a ragged hole in the NFL’s TV schedule, and the audience numbers dwindled in kind. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 15 Sep. 2025 The original Toxic Avenger was made for chump change and wore its low-budget nature proudly, while this version, which was shot in Bulgaria in 2021 and involves both practical and digital effects, tries to evoke that ragged aesthetic while working with more resources. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ragged
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ragged
Adjective
  • The Maah Daah Hey Trail runs for 144 miles, offering some of the best exposure to what’s left of the country’s majestic grasslands, plus surprisingly jagged peaks, rugged plateaus, and ample river crossings.
    Jacqueline Kehoe, AFAR Media, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Its alpine-style streets, surrounded by jagged peaks, are lined with breweries and boutique shops.
    Chantelle Kincy, Travel + Leisure, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The archangel of trendy-casual walkaroundfits (new word, please spread around) just stepped out in hip-hugging bootcut jeans, a loose and intentionally tattered white T-shirt, a gold pendant necklace, and dark sunglasses, an easy all-American look for a morning on the go.
    Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Wallen then stumbles to his feet in the middle of the road, as rain pours down, with close-up images showing Wallen in tattered clothes and covered in scrapes and cuts.
    Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • After Florida State and Clemson fought for an uneven share of ACC revenue, a Georgia Tech versus Virginia championship game just feels right.
    Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Southern live oaks draped in Spanish moss that tower and twist over city squares, Neoclassical Antebellum architecture, gas lamps that flicker over uneven cobblestone paths, and a humid subtropical climate that hangs heavy in the air.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Royal Dutch Medical Association scolded the psychiatrists, and prosecutors declined to act.
    Asra Q. Nomani, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2025
  • In 2013, then-President Barack Obama penned a thank-you letter to federal employees for their service and scolded Congress for failing to approve a spending plan, without placing blame.
    NPR, NPR, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Her long blond ends drew a stark contrast to her faded brown roots, which were parted down the middle and brushed up in the back.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The faded colors and distressed pattern give the rug an always-been-here feel and lend a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere to the space.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Their rugged endurance is what endears Jeeps to car-lovers with a sense of history and who appreciate the significance of a vehicle that defined an indefatigable generation.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2025
  • At Grandview Point, once the site of a 19th-century copper mine, visitors can enjoy sweeping panoramas and access the rugged Grandview Trail, originally built to haul ore out of the canyon.
    Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Augusta was a devout Christian who often lectured the Bible to her sons and blamed alcohol and women for the evils of the world, per the outlet.
    Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Clarke and his business partner sold photographs and films, wrote and lectured about their adventures, and began treasure hunting.
    Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • There was obvious rust, and the shooting efficiency was rough, as Ball converted only 36% from the field.
    Stan Son, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The Dallas Cowboys' already rough defense took an unexpected hit Friday because of an at-home injury.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ragged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ragged. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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