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
Tradition’s stubborn, and there’s still something primal about the boom and the body-rattling force of the real thing. Robert J. Szczerba, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Now, with aftershocks still rattling damaged cities and thousands of people displaced, some analysts warn the government’s handling of the disaster may be accelerating public disillusionment with the Chavista power structure. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for rattling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rattling
Adjective
  • Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
  • In the hours, sometimes days, leading up to a collapse, the sensors could clearly detect a rapid increase in the ground tilting motion.
    Rosanna Xia, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
Adverb
  • Be vigilant about never leaving young children and pets in vehicles without supervision, especially during periods of intense heat, as car interiors can quickly become extremely hot.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
  • Surveillance of a suspect can take hours or days, and is extremely resource-intensive.
    Caroll Alvarado, CNN Money, 14 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
  • Video shows guests chatting and laughing as seawater pooled beneath their chairs and around the tables.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026
  • The Good Will Hunting actor, whose daughters and wife accompanied him to the Odyssey premiere in London on July 6, previously revealed how his intense filming schedule impacted his family while chatting with People on the red carpet.
    Lara Walsh, InStyle, 14 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
  • Ukraine has carried out major drone strikes on Russia’s two largest cities, embarrassing the Kremlin with images of black plumes of smoke that circulated widely online, despite regulations restricting their publication.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026
  • But in this case, the ejection was absolutely unnecessary and, frankly, embarrassing for Lentz.
    Levi Weaver, New York Times, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Between Sandoval’s 4 1/3 innings of one-run ball and a stupendous collective effort by the Boston bullpen, the Red Sox completed a 2-1 victory and series sweep of the White Sox in a brisk two hours and 32 minutes.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 9 July 2026
  • Weight-bearing activities — brisk walking, climbing stairs, dancing, strength training — signal to the body that the skeleton needs to stay dense and strong.
    Matthew T. Drake, Fortune, 9 July 2026
Adverb
  • And about the rip currents Currents are dangerous and a very real problem on the Gulf Coast, including around the barrier islands where Wells was partying.
    Adam Carlson, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026
  • What that means is all that remains to be filled in is a section in the very middle, in Coral Gables along the University of Miami.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rattling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rattling. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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