rat (on)

Definition of rat (on)next
1
as in to split (on)
to give information (as to the authorities) about another's improper or unlawful activities how much—or how little—did the fuzz have to pay you to rat on us?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to desert
to leave (a cause or party) often in order to take up another many party operatives ratted on the senator's candidacy once her poll numbers started to slip

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rat (on)
Verb
  • These folks won’t desert their teams, no matter how many NFL Sundays end in heartache.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
  • The streets below were strangely empty for a weekday morning, and Madison Square Park, visible through the scaffolding, was deserted save for a few people and their pets braving the day’s frigid winds at the dog park.
    Kim Velsey, Curbed, 5 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Brandon asked her out the next day, and the pair spent hours talking on a Ferris wheel during their first date.
    Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
  • People with respiratory viruses who have high-risk conditions or who live in households with high-risk individuals should talk to their healthcare professional about taking antiviral medications to treat the virus or prevent transmission.
    Jack Perry, The Providence Journal, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Bonta rejected the allegations as unsubstantiated and said the states were targeted solely because of their political leadership.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026
  • For at least the third time in just over a year, Humphrey has rejected most serious charges against rule-breaking cops.
    Stephanie Stremplewski, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • On the whole, higher limits offer better protection, so recognizing the differences in coverage between minimum requirements and real-life needs can inform better decision-making in this regard.
    Ethan M. Stone, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Local fire and government authorities are notified prior to burn days and kept informed throughout prescribed fire operations.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The Miami Hurricanes are at home, while the entire state of Indiana – save for some in West Lafayette – is content to abandon their homes to enjoy this unexpectedly stupefying playoff march.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Season One concludes with the Texas Tech geology graduate abandoning a well crew after tragedy strikes, only to achieve rapid success in his personal and work endeavors.
    Michael M. Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The easiest way to cut into a pomegranate is to cut off the peel near the blossom end.
    Mary Ann Esposito, Boston Herald, 7 Jan. 2026
  • One congressman suggested that Washington should sooner cut off his own hand than sign a bill that would see his likeness on a coin, a move that would put him in the company of Nero and Caligula.
    Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Rat (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rat%20%28on%29. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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