rustling 1 of 2

present participle of rustle
1
as in grazing
to feed on grass or herbs just take the steer out to pasture and let it rustle for itself

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
3
as in crackling
to make small sounds usually by rubbing or moving my pet peeve is candy wrappers rustling during a movie

Synonyms & Similar Words

rustling

2 of 2

noun

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 rustling
Verb
The dense canopy of trees, the rustling of leaves, and the interplay of light and shadow that evoke mood and emotions. Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
In a matter of just a few days, the county judge, his son, his nephew, and one of his closest allies had been arrested in two separate incidents — the cattle-rustling case and the jury-duty hearing. Mitch Moxley, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2025 During the 1880s, the brothers lived here and made their livelihood rustling cattle and horses, while at the same time disposing of unsuspecting ranchers who wandered too close to their hideout. Patti Nickell, Boston Herald, 31 Aug. 2025 End your drive with a stay at Chinati Hot Springs, and soak in the steaming springwater beneath rustling cottonwoods and the glittering expanse of Texas stars. Eva Frederick, Travel + Leisure, 26 Aug. 2025 In it, Carrie spends an awkward weekend with Aidan and his family in Virginia after spontaneously extending what otherwise would have been a day-trip; one scene shows Carrie rustling from sleep fully clothed and totally alone in his bed on her first morning there. Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 15 Aug. 2025 In the Danube Delta, silence reigns—broken only by pelican wings, rustling reeds, and drifting river mist that veils the labyrinth of wetlands. Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rustling
Verb
  • The menswear designer's ensemble consisted of a knee-grazing black cardigan with a contrasting denim collar and button trim, matching black pants and black leather loafers.
    Starr Bowenbank, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
  • As the action took place, the fashionable crowd lounged on the beautifully landscaped outdoor dining area, grazing on the pies and taking pictures of the sea.
    Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Normally, the hours and days before the prospect of a shutdown on Capitol Hill are filled with scenes of lawmakers and aides scurrying about to negotiate possible settlements.
    Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 30 Sep. 2025
  • After scurrying through passengers, the scared kitten ended up in the arms of New York native Betsaida Mercado, who picked up the feline and took her home.
    Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Hollywood actor’s devilish features and unmistakable crackling voice make for a pitch-perfect pair with Solnicki’s sardonic sensibility.
    Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 28 Sep. 2025
  • First, months—or even years—later, those same logs provide the glorious, crackling warmth of a fire on a cold evening.
    Outside Online, Outside Online, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • They can also be used as teaching aids when educating the public on the dangers of plant poaching, an issue Blackwell says many people aren’t aware of.
    John Leos, AZCentral.com, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Between poaching and loss of nesting sites in countries like Indonesia, scientists now estimate their numbers in the northeastern Indian Ocean as less than 1,000 females.
    M. Rajshekhar, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That's why Amazon shoppers are hurrying to grab a soft and fluffy comforter for fall.
    Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025
  • That included blasting through Chargers right tackle Trey Pipkins and hurrying Herbert into a third-down red zone throw that came up short and forced a first-half field goal.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 23 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Pluto’s been whispering to you about long-term transformation; now that whisper may become a roar.
    Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Dick Monfort is overdue for a new voice whispering in his ear — someone high enough in the organizational chart to effect change.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The antifa movement was often blamed by police for the violence and looting that occurred in the aftermath of the murder.
    Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Sewer workers discovered a 2,300-year-old tomb containing ceramic artifacts and showing signs of ancient looting.
    Staff, FOXNews.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The two have combined for 594 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns through the Hurricanes’ first four games.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Hubbard broke out in a major way last season, rushing for 1,195 yards in 2024 with 11 total touchdowns on the year.
    Reice Shipley, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rustling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rustling. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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