rattle 1 of 2

rattle

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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
The large, heavy-bodied snake has a large triangular head, vertical pupils and a rattle. Kirsten Fiscus, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2025 The lack of an internal-combustion engine means that any EV manufacturer needs to solve for additional NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness), so RBW went down the rabbit hole chasing creaks and rattles. Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Verb
The applause rattled every shelf in the building. Nikki McCann Ramirez, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2025 The government was sufficiently rattled to rescind the ban the next morning. Kapil Komireddi, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rattle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rattle
Noun
  • From the roar of the crowd to the quiet focus of a camera shutter, former Philadelphia Eagles HOFer Malcolm Jenkins has gracefully transitioned from NFL star to passionate photographer.
    John Armwood III, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
  • His voice was still raw from calling plays over the roar of Lincoln Financial Field.
    Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 21 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • From the clattering dishes, to the kitschy decor, to staple breakfast fare, to a barebones website, the OPH harks back to diners of old.
    Greg Mellen, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Suburban trains clatter back and forth along the southern edge of the park.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Among her recent videos documenting her conversations on Omegle, a video-chatting app for talking with strangers, the one that performed best featured a man calling her an anti-trans slur (Lee isn’t trans).
    Rebecca Jennings, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2025
  • In an exclusive with WWD, Leclerc sat down to chat about his definition of success both on and off the racetrack, working with Constant as his stylist, tapping into his creative side through his new studio and more.
    Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • On the first play of the final period, Bruce rambled in for a four-yard TD for the Eagles.
    Mike Waters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Since a Ralphie rambled across Folsom Field for the first time in September 1967, CU put up a sterling 5-1 record in live mascot debut runs.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 21 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Epstein scandal continues to embarrass the British royal family, even years after Jeffrey Epstein’s death.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Me, a beautiful and clever five-time Emmy-winning writer with a few Wednesday nights free, and The Golden Bachelor, a heartwarming and adorable exploration of women’s second acts with a male doofus at the center who has already embarrassed himself.
    Ali Barthwell, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • There’s always been noise downtown Downtown Fort Worth sits at the intersection of three freeways, a train yard, and serves as both a central business district and entertainment spot.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Forget about trying to pick out the key sounds through the crowd noise.
    Jared Weiss, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more!
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Take it by talking with your doctor.
    Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The moment-to-moment action is predicated on wandering the city, picking up little bits of information from people, and diving into Wild Zones to battle and capture more Pokémon.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Add in a 160-liter freshwater tank, diesel heat and hot water via Webasto, and the freedom to wander suddenly looks very comfortable.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rattle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rattle. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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