rat 1 of 2

noun

ˈrat How to pronounce rat (audio)
Definition of ratnext
1
as in informant
a person who provides information about another's wrongdoing the drug mule refused to turn rat without a guarantee of immunity

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2
as in lover
someone who regularly spends time in a particular place on Friday night the mall rats were out in full force

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in bastard
a person whose behavior is offensive to others no one can understand what she finds appealing in a rat like him

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

rat

2 of 2

verb

as in to leak

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 rat
Noun
Users submit coordinates of rat sightings (dead or alive) alongside a short report on the setting. — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 16 Oct. 2026 Someone tells you that the rats are actually cute, what’s your honest response? — Zach Schiffman, Curbed, 16 Oct. 2026 All that is left to wonder is what the rats are saying about all of this. — Mike Sullivan, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 Some students have described buildings in disrepair and reported seeing rats inside. — Chantz Martin Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rat
  1. informant
  2. lover
  3. dog
  4. leak
  5. informer
  6. fan
  7. jerk
  8. talk
Noun
  • Ziccarelli said that Cochran claimed the charges were withdrawn because the defendant was working as a confidential informant.
    — Mike Darnay, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Arcángel Pretel Ortiz, an FBI informant who had helped recruit the squad of commandos, had learned of the constitutional obstacles after consulting with an Ecuadorian lawyer, José Antonio Corrales.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of informant
Noun
  • Overton, however, claimed that both informants were lying — and that the semen found on the comforter was planted on the scene by a spurned ex-lover with connections to the police department.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The professionalization worked, but at the expense of the site’s internal culture, Cooke argues, as generous eccentrics were displaced by neurotic lovers of rules.
    — Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of lover
Noun
  • Which dog breeds tend to live the longest If longevity is the priority, a handful of smaller breeds routinely post the longest lifespans, according to breed data compiled by Reader’s Digest.
    — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Much has been made of Winter’s idiosyncratic star power, and as an extremely tall, wet-dog-handsome instrumental virtuoso with a one-of-a-kind voice and just enough self-aware wit and lacerating lyricism to keep it relatable, that’s indisputable.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of dog
Verb
  • When Weiss and her aides shift coverage closer to Israel’s point of view, their actions promptly leak to outlets like the Guardian and Status, the daily media newsletter that has relentlessly chronicled Weiss’ real and perceived missteps.
    — semafor.com, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Had someone not chosen to anonymously leak the secret grand jury report to a CBS News reporter in Miami, the public likely would still not know of the grand jury’s findings.
    — Christopher Spata, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of leak
Noun
  • One of State Security’s main goals, as well as a central source of its strength, is turning civilians into informers.
    — Abraham Jiménez Enoa, The Dial, 19 May 2026
  • And so every regime invests in having student informers.
    — Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2026
Definition of informer
Noun
  • Reid was truly impressive in all facets and a guy Hornets fans are really going to like.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Then, as if all of that wasn't enough, Sens fans started raining down their old Tkachuk jerseys.
    — Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of fan
Noun
  • From award-winning jerk pork wraps to classic rice and peas, every bite celebrates our heritage.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Bella’s childhood friend Angus (Jake Simmance), a corporate jerk, condescendingly probes Johnny about his career.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of jerk
Verb
  • Publicly, Pacific Fusion talks mostly about its future ability to supply electricity, a promise the fusion industry has made for years.
    — Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The 6,200-square-foot venue spans two levels and features a 700-square-foot dry sauna, an infrared sauna and a 46-degree cold plunge, with dim communal areas built in to encourage guests to linger and talk.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of talk

Phrases Containing rat

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rassling
rat
ratbag
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Cite this Entry

“Rat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rat. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rat

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