rattling 1 of 3

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
Here a number of the emigrants who arrived late were stowed away on a rattling floor of cane, covered with hides. Gary Kamiya, SFChronicle.com, 2 Oct. 2020
Verb
There was even a final machination aimed at rattling the Venezuelan president about the pilot’s true loyalties. Joshua Goodman, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2025 McClung has almost singlehandedly revived the Slam Dunk Contest with his imaginative arsenal of rim-rattling highlights, but has yet to consistently crack an NBA rotation. Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025 And, that there was a goblin, squatting in my skull, rattling a metal pail full of bolts and hissing failure, rot, spoil. Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2025 The rapid escalation of trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies has sunk stocks, rattling investors and industries by igniting fears of a repeat of the tit-for-tat tariff battle in spring, when levies on Chinese and American imports soared to around 145% and 120% respectively. John Liu, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025 Two sisters with a tragic story are said to linger upstairs at Langston’s Western Wear, and unexplained voices and rattling glassware have been heard at Gabriella’s Italian Grill, a Prohibition-era building with a gangsters and gambling history. Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 11 Oct. 2025 After the win, Wilson walked around the bowels of Mortgage Matchup Center, rattling a pink tambourine that an Aces trainer gave her. Ben Pickman, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025 Norwood is just the latest example of the AI threat that rattling the TV and film industry. Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 30 Sep. 2025 Across the past decade, HARDY has become one of Nashville’s most prolific, versatile voices, a songwriter and artist who can put forth a twangy country anthem as easily as a bone-rattling rock song. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 26 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rattling
Adjective
  • Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The rapid growth of Kalshi, which is federally regulated by the CFTC as a futures exchange, has already tested much of the legal betting status quo.
    Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • Almeida is extremely likely to have wrestling success early in this fight, and the question becomes whether Volkov can survive and extend the matchup.
    Brett Appley, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Last offseason, the Red Sox were extremely active, trading for ace pitcher Garrett Crochet and signing All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman.
    Shaun McAvoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • There are up to 20,000 rabid people raining down their emotions from all angles, a dozen sticks clattering, two dozen skates carving, all those burly bodies bumping into each other and banging into the boards, plus an endless stream of screaming and grunting and cursing.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • While chatting about Leila’s wedding plans on Live with Kelly and Mark, the Sisters Loved and Treasured author, 65, revealed that her daughter, 26, plans to wed her fiancé Sylvain Gricourt in two separate ceremonies.
    Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Video shared on social media showed Bell smiling, chatting with fans and taking photos.
    Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • What on Earth was Gabriel rambling on about before, anyway?
    Jessica Wang, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Roger Naylor shares 10 favorite Arizona destinations from his 50 years of rambling here.
    Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 29 Aug. 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
Adjective
  • Zone 2 cardio is moderate-intensity exercise—like brisk walking or cycling—done at about 60% to 70% of your max heart rate.
    Brian Mastroianni, Health, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The 12-time Academy Award nominee and the model both bundled up for brisk weather, as both Cooper and Hadid wore coats, sunglasses and Cooper capped a beanie over his head.
    Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • The hunter was supposed to be Nweeia’s main guide, and this happened on the very first day of the expedition.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
  • There are very few people with any substance who want to run.
    Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rattling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rattling. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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