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
Baby rattlesnakes don’t have rattles, and adult snakes’ rattles occasionally break off, according to the National Park Service. Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2025 The large, heavy-bodied snake has a large triangular head, vertical pupils and a rattle. Kirsten Fiscus, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
The Sounders are a veteran, cup-winning outfit that won’t be rattled by a playoff atmosphere. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 26 Oct. 2025 Masco senior quarterback Drew Gustafson remained poised throughout the comeback, never allowing the deficit to rattle his offense. Justin Barrasso, Boston Herald, 25 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rattle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rattle
Noun
  • But the piece de resistance is a small button on the face of the guitar that, when pressed, activates a chip on a soundboard that elicits the distinctive roar of Godzilla.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025
  • With seven seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and the Thunder leading 113-111, the Cameroonian forward stepped back over Oklahoma City center Chet Holmgren to sink a high-arching, 22-foot jumper that sparked a roar from the Indiana crowd.
    Frank Nunns O'Connell 15 hr ago, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Deacon clatters off in his truck, leaving me to contemplate my new home.
    Rowan Jacobsen, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The annual phenomenon sees millions of crimson-red crustaceans clattering across roads from their forest dwellings to the island's shores to spawn their eggs.
    Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Over a bite to eat, everybody kicked back and chatted it up a little.
    Jay Glennie, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2025
  • The conversations comprise reflections, chat on strategy and debate about storytelling to offer listeners an insight into how different elements of the the creator economy functions.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Mitchell Summers rambled for 250 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries, including an 80-yard score, while Jack Snyder threw for 147 yards and a TD while picking up 68 yards on the ground.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Kachina rambles for 5 miles but the most vibrant color is found on the first half of the hike.
    Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • For French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, the heist spotlights embarrassing security failings at one of France’s most venerable institutions.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The New York Mets fell short of the postseason in embarrassing fashion last season, so this offseason is going to be more important than ever.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Off set, the noise is deafening for Sweeney, who became a household name over the past two years thanks to a red-hot acting career as well as an American Eagle jeans ad that launched a thousand hot takes.
    Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Their noise cancellation is exceptional and the sound quality is top-notch for a pair of wireless earbuds.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Connor called 911 for help, and authorities tried to locate Mallory while also talking to the rest of the friends about what happened.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Her focus is less on the reason for the decline than on the question of why people—even close family members—stopped talking with one another.
    Alex Kotlowitz, The Atlantic, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Harmlessly wandering about the village, belly and breasts exposed—at times completely naked—Pagli discomforts established codes of etiquette.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Woody Guthrie used to wander onto her family’s porch and sing with her dad.
    Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rattle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rattle. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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