1
as in splits (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
Relevance
2
as in defects (from)
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 rats (on)
Verb
-
Budget talks The city’s budget and overspending concerns could be another major talking point during this year’s campaigns, Ward 5 Councilmember Greg Shelton said.—
Taylor O'Connor,
Kansas City Star,
9 Oct. 2025 -
Many have lost hope too, despite the indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas currently underway in Egypt.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In California, the warning is in effect for southeastern counties, with temperatures forecast to reach 111 F in Indian Wells Valley; and 115 F in Coachella Valley and San Diego County deserts.—
Matthew Robinson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The business software maker on Wednesday unveiled an optimistic, multiyear financial roadmap that rejects the sluggish-growth narrative that has been dogging the stock.—
Natasha Abellard,
CNBC,
16 Oct. 2025
-
The White House rejects the suggestion that any of the president's social media posts have been racist.—
Robert Birsel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The novel can get busy—Taylor introduces each of Wyeth’s studio mates in the first chapter, then all but abandons half of them to squeeze in more significant characters—but there’s a warmth in the overcrowding.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Throughout the Knife Edge series, more than one chef actually abandons the Michelin race before the awards are announced, recognizing the unsustainable toll on their families, health, and even the restaurant’s bottom line.—
Laurie Woolever,
Rolling Stone,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The latest installment, which premiered Thursday on Netflix, picks up just moments after the Season 2 cliffhanger when the President dies after Hal (Rufus Sewell) informs him of Vice President Grace Penn’s involvement in the bombing of a British aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
18 Oct. 2025
-
That shift informs the way climbing gyms are put together.—
Kelli María Korducki,
HubSpot,
17 Oct. 2025
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.
Cite this Entry
“Rats (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rats%20%28on%29. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share