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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in tattered
worn or torn into or as if into rags
finally convinced her to throw away her favorite pair of jeans, ragged from years of yard work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in uneven
not having a level or smooth surface
she cut herself on the ragged edge of the tin can's lid
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in scolded
to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings
several readers called in to rag the editor for his paper's repeated grammatical lapses
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Mark Price
july 3, Miami Herald, 3 July 2025
Bernthal asks over a shot of men walking toward a city at night as a ragged flag waves.
—Jordan Moreau, Variety, 1 July 2025
Slug and earwig damage often looks similar because these pests both chew ragged holes in plant leaves and do most of their feeding after dark.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 June 2025
In any case, SpongeBob becomes more and more ragged as the days go by and Patrick fails to share the parental load.
—Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for ragged
Adjective
One such oddity — a ragged chunk of leather — is part of the Civil War collection at the Vicksburg National Military Park in western Mississippi.
—Mark Price
july 3, Miami Herald, 3 July 2025
Bernthal asks over a shot of men walking toward a city at night as a ragged flag waves.
—Jordan Moreau, Variety, 1 July 2025
Slug and earwig damage often looks similar because these pests both chew ragged holes in plant leaves and do most of their feeding after dark.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 June 2025
In any case, SpongeBob becomes more and more ragged as the days go by and Patrick fails to share the parental load.
—Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for ragged
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ragged
Adjective
-
This plant is recognizable by its characteristic arrangement of leaves growing in groups of three with edges that vary from smooth to jagged.—
Christopher P. Holstege,
CNN Money,
17 Aug. 2025
-
Beads of sweat dripped in jagged lines from Brandis Rogers’ temples and the nape of her neck.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Regional sports networks, once a gusher for programmers and operators, have been in a tattered financial state due to cord-cutting.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
6 Aug. 2025
-
On a visit to another small Ok. town, Cox spied a tattered awning that said Country Bird, which was the perfect name for her bakery.—
Gary Stern,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
Adjective
-
Back in April, Ulta had already slowed its rollout within Target, citing uneven returns and operational friction in certain locations.—
Brian Delp,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
-
From the outside, staying in these uneven dynamics can look like passivity or even low self-esteem.—
Jenna Ryu,
SELF,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
There is, also, something compensatory in a regard for faded footstools, thick boots and window curtains.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Aug. 2025
-
Dial options include matte black, tropical brown, and vintage navy, all featuring creamy Super-LumiNova GL old radium markers designed to evoke the faded lume of historic tool watches.—
Matthew Catellier,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
Adjective
-
The 2025 Subaru Outback is an adventure-ready SUV Subaru's SUV models like the Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback are known for their rugged exteriors and off-roading potential.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
20 Aug. 2025
-
Fleece merges a rugged sophistication with everyday staples.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The Jayhawks’ offense should play a pivotal role in ensuring KU comes out on top. Prediction: Kansas (3-1) Game 5: KU vs. Cincinnati Cincinnati looks to get back on track after a rough first two seasons in the Big 12.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Stepping into the role played by Damon in the film, British actor Milo Callaghan is Rudy Baylor, who has overcome a rough childhood and family tragedy to graduate at the top of his law school class.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Over the years, Fox has sustained multiple broken bones, including both arms, his shoulder, his orbital bone and cheek and his hand, which resulted in a serious infection.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
13 Aug. 2025
-
There is a broken down vehicle on I-35 between 119th Street/Exit 220 and I-435/Exit 222.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
13 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Some of Mangione's supporters have left messages of praise for him, while others have criticized the fundraising efforts.—
Hannah Parry,
Newsweek,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Bo French, the chairman of the Tarrant County, Texas, GOP, criticized Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti, alleging that an emphasis on DEI programs had undermined the military's effectiveness.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
24 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Ragged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ragged. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share