Definition of rattlingnext

rattling

2 of 3

adverb

rattling

3 of 3

verb

present participle of rattle
1
as in clattering
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
4

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 rattling
Adjective
Their play is a symphony of cheers and swishes, conversation and laughter, dribbling balls and rattling rims. Chris John Amorosino, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2026 But others, where relentless, shelter-soaking rain is the aggressor, are no less vivid and terrifying, amplified by the rattling, percussive intensity of extraordinary sound design by Lena Esquenazi, Valeria Mancheva and Antonio Porem. Guy Lodge, Variety, 22 Feb. 2026
Verb
The case went unsolved until 2016, rattling Jacob's community for decades. Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 17 July 2026 High yields worldwide have been rattling investors since the war sent oil prices bursting above $100 per barrel in March. Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for rattling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rattling
Adjective
  • That design philosophy allows manufacturers to prioritize rapid production, simpler assembly and lower manufacturing costs without compromising mission performance.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026
  • Patents filed earlier in the 'gold rush' are often granted with broader coverage on average than applications filed later due to the rapid growth in prior art patent filings.
    Peter Su, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Adverb
  • Analyzing top player movement Changing schools is extremely common, with more than 17,000 athletes in Texas filling out a prior athletic participation form (PAPF) this past year, according to UIL executive director Jamie Harrison.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2026
  • Here’s an outpost of a chain with some extremely personal, local touches.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
Verb
  • All but one of these 22 songs could slot seamlessly into More Chaos’ clattering tracklist.
    Eli Enis, Pitchfork, 9 July 2026
  • Butch had been little more than a clattering irritation at the edges of Will’s life.
    Emily Ruskovich, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • O’Connell offered more context while chatting with talk show host Ripa.
    Shelby Stivale, Entertainment Weekly, 29 July 2026
  • While chatting with Overtime for a video posted on Wednesday, July 29, the Dallas Wings star said would want to swap with Spiderman star Tom Holland.
    Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • Throughout the latter two videos, Ivey spoke to the camera while driving his car and rambling through various evangelical talking points.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
  • This rambling 1,200-acre Southern California ranch has both and much more, plus a supremely private and scenic locale on the outskirts of the historic community of San Juan Capistrano.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Kyiv’s forces have targeted Russian oil facilities, causing fuel shortages and embarrassing President Vladimir Putin.
    ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
  • Benefield alleged her stepmother began isolating her from her father, blaming her for household conflicts, reading her private journal, publicly embarrassing her and seeking to push her out of the family dynamic.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2026
Adjective
  • But compared to Four Tet’s largely downbeat 2024 album Three, the new record keeps the tempos brisk and the energy high.
    Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 18 July 2026
  • People in the nation's fittest cities are more likely to take brisk walks or routinely hit the gym.
    Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 14 July 2026
Adverb
  • Veejay is a great model and sells Naheim’s and Jeffrey’s outfits, which are both really fashionable and exciting; Jeffrey’s burgundy suit is very femme-fatale Ursula.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 31 July 2026
  • Moore has earned the praise after having a very strong spring.
    Mike Kaye July 31, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rattling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rattling. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on rattling

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster