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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The Pacers were without Isaiah Jackson (concussion), Bennedict Mathurin (right thumb sprain), Obi Toppin (right foot stress fracture) and Tyrese Haliburton (right Achilles tendon tear).—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
11 Jan. 2026
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Leaving broken branches and stems in place potentially makes branch damage worse, allows bark to tear further, and leaves plants more exposed to diseases and winter winds.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
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My search proved fruitful, so below you’ll find my top picks, including an air fryer that saves counterspace, a set of six dishcloths for $24, and a chopping gadget that also slices, grates, and shreds.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
27 Dec. 2025
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Shred It For Packaging Turn used wrapping paper into pretty paper shreds for future gifts.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
25 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Midway through the third quarter, true freshman linebacker Mason Posa, buried on the depth chart just weeks ago, ripped the ball loose at Washington’s 7-yard line and fell on it himself.—
Ira Gorawara,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
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This is ripped from the news, our dark timeline.—
Andy Hoglund,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Doctors were reportedly unable to remove some of the bullet fragments from his face, and a bone near his eye was also broken.—
Jessica Sager,
PEOPLE,
9 Nov. 2025
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People from the Kansas City area who boarded the ship are highlighted on posters hanging on the walls next to artifacts like fragments of a first-class curtain, a door handle and a White Star Line envelope.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Recently, archaeologists found a massive stone basin in Italy dating back more than 2,000 years — remnants of a once-powerful rival of Rome.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
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The transition will occur around December 1, with the main remnant of the PENN partnership being the linear betting show, ESPN BET Live.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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But just as my father and his family tried to breathe a sigh of relief and rebuild a fraction of their ruptured lives, Israel kicked them out again in 1967, this time to Egypt.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Nov. 2025
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Koolaburra by Ugg Burree Platform Slippers Fans of the popular Ugg Tasman Slippers will appreciate how similar this pair looks (and for a fraction of the price).—
Rylee Johnston,
PEOPLE,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
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If a vehicle receives no bids and the car owner shows up, the towing company would be required to offer the car back to them at whatever their costs are before selling it for scrap.—
Dave Altimari,
ProPublica,
7 Jan. 2026
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Davis officials noted, however, that local rates reflect a broader range of services, including on-street yard material pickup, 24-hour recycling drop-off centers and early adoption of food-scrap and organics programs.—
Daniel Lempres,
Sacbee.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Colandrea adds a dynamic offensive piece under coordinator Dana Holgorsen.—
Mitch Sherman,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
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But on Tuesday, Duff's husband, the musician Matthew Koma, couldn't help but say his piece.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tatter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tatter. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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