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
Sonic booms have become a source of consternation for Southern Californians living near Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, where officials with SpaceX and the U.S. Space Force have acknowledged that their rocket launches and landings are causing the regular rattles. Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2025 Shaking and rolling helps develop hand-eye coordination and promotes dexterity, and one parent tester appreciated the wooden rattle’s ability to foster independent play for her baby. Pamela Brill, Parents, 22 May 2025
Verb
Wall Street is starting to push back JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon recently warned that rising deficits could eventually rattle investors. Mike Winters, CNBC, 24 June 2025 Iran’s foreign partners should be rattled by the Islamic republic’s weakness. The Editors, National Review, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for rattle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rattle
Noun
  • The rush of wind and thrum of tire roar was punctuated, not by engine revs and tailpipe cackles, but by birdsong.
    Alistair Charlton, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
  • But the loudest roar — aside the one for the record strikeout — came when Kershaw bounded out of the dugout to start the sixth.
    Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • There are at least a dozen tables in the gymnasium, and walking in to the sound of all those clattering tiles is like being inside a machine of obscure but pleasing purpose.
    Han Ong, New Yorker, 22 June 2025
  • Late in the first half, Giuliano Simeone seemed to draw a penalty as Sounders homegrown left back Reed Baker-Whiting clattered into his side and pulled him to ground.
    Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Suge Knight recalled his final moments by 2Pac’s side in September 1996 while chatting from behind bars with People in a story published Tuesday (July 1).
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 1 July 2025
  • Think of it like chatting with a designer about your dream home.
    Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Johnson immediately returned to social media Wednesday night to post a series of rambling videos discussing his arrest and seemingly poking at Rogan without addressing him directly.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2025
  • One of the most aggressive garden invaders, bindweed rapidly rambles through perennials and shrubs, creating a leafy tangle of stems and foliage.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • SoCal embarrassed the Jekyll & Hyde Utah team, who were flying how but who lose easily to the near-last place Hard Eights for their only win of the weekend.
    Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Such an attack might embarrass Trump and spur him to make good on his threat in his address to the nation on Saturday evening to respond to Iran with even greater force.
    Uri Friedman, The Atlantic, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Some commercial leaf blowers are even louder, generating 115 decibels of noise up close and 100 decibels at 50 feet.
    Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2025
  • Stars were invisible in our shots, and there was significant noise at higher ISO levels.
    Harry Bennett, Space.com, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • Through it all, Thune kept talking to Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, a moderate Mainer who blanched at the bill’s Medicaid cuts.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 1 July 2025
  • Sucked underground by an explosive whirlwind, DK must team up with a talking mineral named Odd Rock to prevent VoidCo from reaching the planet’s core, where legend says something has the power to grant wishes.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Partygoers wandered the streets, drinks in hand, wearing Scrim costumes made from furry onesies.
    David W. Brown, New Yorker, 5 July 2025
  • The shelter added that Captain ended up at Bentonville after a woman found the dog wandering near a road while traveling in Missouri.
    Moná Thomas, People.com, 5 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rattle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rattle. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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