ragtag

adjective

ˈrag-ˌtag How to pronounce ragtag (audio)
Definition of ragtagnext
1
as in eclectic
consisting of many things of different sorts the team was a ragtag bunch who had only one thing in common: a lack of skill

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in tattered
wearing torn or worn out clothes a ragtag and weary regiment arrived back at headquarters with the latest news from the front

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 ragtag The sitcom stars himself and Steve Gerben as ragtag family co-workers who have to band together after Gerben’s character, Will, inherits his dad’s auto shop. — Madeleine Janz, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026 But the focus was the music itself on Friday, and the ragtag roster of artists that fully conjured it. — Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026 In October 1950, Chinese forces invaded and the ragtag Tibetan army was swiftly crushed. — Charlie Campbell, Time, 9 July 2026 Their once formidable left wing media army – led by CNN, the Washington Post and 60 Minutes – is dwindling to just a ragtag few that have forfeited their power, influence, ratings and readership. — Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ragtag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ragtag
  1. eclectic
  2. tattered
  3. assorted
  4. ragged
  5. varied
  6. mixed
Adjective
  • Sila, on Deck 9, is the buffet restaurant (albeit an opulent one) and was my go-to venue for an eclectic range of savory and sweet offerings for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Living alone in Los Angeles for the first time, Jordan had visions of eclectic murals to match her vintage furniture and art collection.
    — Lina Abascal, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of eclectic
Adjective
  • The tattered cypresses and long-needle pines damp out the shine of her tracksuit, closing swiftly around dog and girl.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2026
  • On a recent afternoon, the lanky, mustachioed Zucker, wearing a T-shirt, ballcap and small hoop earrings, bears little resemblance to his comic alter ego who sports a tattered suit with gag props stuffed in every pocket.
    — Deputy Entertainment, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of tattered
Adjective
  • When trouble first arrives at the Windy Oasis mobile home community, Celeste goes to retrieve one of her assorted weapons.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026
  • At the center Tuesday afternoon, about a dozen residents gathered with pets and assorted belongings as a team of volunteers worked to set up a dormitory in the center’s gymnasium.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of assorted
Adjective
  • James roves among the attackers’ perspectives before and during the event, his experimental style, psychological acuity, and ragged lyricism on display.
    — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Bristol Type 6, marked by ragged, jagged or fluffy edges, indicates stool moved through the colon too fast for water absorption.
    — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of ragged
Adjective
  • The Belgian designer, who went on to thank her team members and collaborators by name, is known for her varied explorations of feminine identity.
    — Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Possible options include ammunition designed for varied levels of impact, including armor-piercing configurations.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of varied
Adjective
  • Kids of mixed ages organized their own games and made up their own rules, while adults stayed mostly on the sidelines or stayed away entirely.
    — Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2026
  • But the tenth and final iteration will see a return of many cast members, who have mixed views on the show’s practices.
    — Will Barker, TheWeek, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of mixed

Phrases Containing ragtag

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rags on
ragtag
ragtag and bobtail
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Cite this Entry

“Ragtag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ragtag. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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