as in to tear
to cause (something) to separate into jagged pieces by violently pulling at it
the little boy tattered that blanket beyond repair by repeatedly yanking on it
Synonyms & Similar Words
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as in shred
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tatter
Nathan Taylor Pemberton, New York Times, 20 Jan. 2020
So where did Ransom’s tattered cozy knit end up after filming wrapped?
—Ale Russian, PEOPLE.com, 26 Dec. 2019
Kevin Barry, Harper's Magazine, 2 July 2024
Smith’s office is now consigned to assess the tatters in which the court’s ruling has left its prosecution and determine, like a homeowner after a tornado has touched down, what can be salvaged.
—Ruth Marcus, Washington Post, 1 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for tatter
Verb
Coming down that highway, one’s arrival was confirmed by a row of flag poles holding international flags, tattered and generally ignored.
—Nathan Taylor Pemberton, New York Times, 20 Jan. 2020
So where did Ransom’s tattered cozy knit end up after filming wrapped?
—Ale Russian, PEOPLE.com, 26 Dec. 2019
Noun
Rourke himself approached the street at this hour in suave array and manic tatters.
—Kevin Barry, Harper's Magazine, 2 July 2024
Smith’s office is now consigned to assess the tatters in which the court’s ruling has left its prosecution and determine, like a homeowner after a tornado has touched down, what can be salvaged.
—Ruth Marcus, Washington Post, 1 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for tatter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tatter
Verb
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Iranian Americans are torn over Iran’s participation in the World Cup, as some community members plan to watch today’s match and others plan to protest outside the stadium where the team will play.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
16 June 2026
-
The muscle had torn in half, and doctors feared permanent damage to the nerves in his calf.—
Michael Silver,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
The industry has been keeping a close eye on what Koosha and his producer Tom Rogers have been doing — namely, conjuring a movie out of thin air without a single shred of an actor, location, crew member or camera.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
11 June 2026
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Watching the chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation rip Tom Skerritt’s character to shreds on live TV would make for extremely spicy viewing.—
Eric Berger & Lee Hutchinson,
ArsTechnica,
31 May 2026
Verb
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Video posted to social media showed the plane on its side and smashed into a highway barrier as the tail was ripped from the fuselage.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
17 June 2026
-
Perhaps the police ripped it from me that time on Merrion Square.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
17 June 2026
Noun
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The lithosphere, however, is not a single piece but is divided into puzzle-like fragments called tectonic plates, according to the USGS.—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
13 June 2026
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One photo shows the fragments of a bomb.—
Sarah Dean,
NBC news,
12 June 2026
Noun
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This photo provided by Kylie Rouse shows the remnants of Shane and Jimmie Tipton's home in Unionville, Missouri, on June 10, 2026, after a tornado struck.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
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Although the Pulse nightclub was torn down, remnants from the building will be incorporated throughout the site helping to root memories in place.—
R. Daniel Foster,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
Noun
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But roughly nine miles north, fans such as Jose Santiago and Ivan Gonzalez enjoyed the match at a fraction of the price.—
Joaquin Ruiz,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2026
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And that $500 million is just a fraction of what Tesla received from government grants, loans, contracts and regulatory policies.—
Chris Isidore,
CNN Money,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
Don't leave food scraps sitting around.—
Amber Harding OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
16 June 2026
-
Included on that lengthy to-do list was a patient coach who could form art from the scraps within the United Center locker room.—
Kalen Lumpkins,
Chicago Tribune,
15 June 2026
Noun
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The majority of items on show are from a collection that Lai Mah donated to the museum in 2022 comprising mostly of dresses belonging to Susan, as well as some pieces from her own mother, Li Zhang Huifang, who was a good friend of Susan’s.—
Stephy Chung,
CNN Money,
13 June 2026
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The larger case between county officials and the Missouri State Tax Commission is still pending, along with several appeals and at least one piece of tax legislation at the legislature level.—
Ilana Arougheti
June 13,
Kansas City Star,
13 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tatter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tatter. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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