rattle 1 of 2

rattle

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to clatter
to make a series of short sharp noises the children tromped through the kitchen, making the plates on the shelf rattle

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
3
as in to ramble
to talk at length without sticking to a topic or getting to a point she rattled on and on about all her European shopping trips, but I wasn't really listening

Synonyms & Similar Words

4

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb rattle contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rattle are abash, discomfit, disconcert, and embarrass. While all these words mean "to distress by confusing or confounding," rattle implies an agitation that impairs thought and judgment.

rattled by all the television cameras

When might abash be a better fit than rattle?

Although the words abash and rattle have much in common, abash presupposes some initial self-confidence that receives a sudden check, producing shyness, shame, or a feeling of inferiority.

abashed by her swift and cutting retort

When could discomfit be used to replace rattle?

While in some cases nearly identical to rattle, discomfit implies a hampering or frustrating accompanied by confusion.

hecklers discomfited the speaker

When is disconcert a more appropriate choice than rattle?

The words disconcert and rattle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, disconcert implies an upsetting of equanimity or assurance producing uncertainty or hesitancy.

disconcerted by finding so many in attendance

When would embarrass be a good substitute for rattle?

In some situations, the words embarrass and rattle are roughly equivalent. However, embarrass implies some influence that impedes thought, speech, or action.

the question embarrassed her so much she couldn't answer

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 rattle
Noun
Nailing a loose floorboard into the joist below should eliminate the rattle or squeak. Clark Hodgin, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 Researchers also found a wooden rattle that was used as a gas alarm in the crater of a bomb explosion. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
The Fed was widely expected to hold rates firm this week, but Trump has repeatedly called for lower rates, a disagreement which culminated in Trump flirting with firing Powell, an option with questionable legal footing which experts said would rattle financial markets. Derek Saul, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025 Calling it an expression of guilt would probably be stretching it, but the intentional loss of control that the Empire requires does almost literally rattle her. Jesse Hassenger, Vulture, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for rattle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rattle
Noun
  • The ensuing roar caused Bryson DeChambeau, standing on the 17th green, to reset his pre-shot routine.
    Justin Ray, New York Times, 18 May 2025
  • On the drivable par-4 14th, Scheffler caused a roar in the crowd with an excellent tee shot to set up a short eagle putt.
    Troy Finnegan‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • In Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-0 defeat by Fulham in March, the 26-year-old left his centre-back partner Ben Davies alone and tracked Raul Jimenez deep into Fulham territory before clattering into him on the touchline.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The seeds are loose and clatter around inside the pods, giving baptisia the name rattleweed, as children once used the seedpods as rattles.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The pair allegedly met on Roblox in March and had chatted on Discord for several weeks.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
  • The 24-year-old gymnast appeared on the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue cover and reflected on her achievement while chatting with PEOPLE.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • An office that demands wisdom and restraint is now debased with churlish impulsivity, rambling incoherency and overt grift.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2025
  • The film has a sort of rambling quality, in the sense that there are long sequences.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Johnson’s predecessor, Larry Robinson, resigned last year amid fallout from a fake $237 million donation scandal that embarrassed the school on the national stage.
    Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 17 May 2025
  • What’s made the 18th so fun this week is its ability — even for just a second — to embarrass the best golfers on the planet.
    Jordan Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Kil noted that one of the features of the town hall remodel project will deaden the noise from the passing trains, which at times can drown out speakers during town meetings.
    Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 18 May 2025
  • Adverse weather and a steady stream of tariff headlines likely early into the quarter created a bunch of noise that could’ve dampened customer purchases.
    Kevin Stankiewicz,Matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • Hamas talked to the United States and Egyptian and Qatari mediators to arrange the release of Alexander, and Israel has sent a team to Doha to begin a new round of talks.
    Nidal al-Mughrabi, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • However, DeChambeau claimed after McIlroy's victory that the eventual champion didn't talk to him at all during that final round.
    Troy Finnegan‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • George, a backyard community cat who took up residence at the Loma Verde complex in Lakeland, Florida, grew impatient after getting neutered at the local SPCA and wandered nearly three miles back home, according to a press release shared with PEOPLE on Monday, May 19.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 19 May 2025
  • Built as part of the Cardiff Hall plantation, the property had fallen into near ruin; chickens and the odd goat wandered through the living room.
    Isabel Wilkinson Schor, New York Times, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rattle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rattle. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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