1
as in ragged
wearing torn or worn-out clothes
arrived at the shelter tattered and exhausted
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in faded
worn or torn into or as if into rags
a hobo in tattered old clothes and worn-out shoes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in ripped
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
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 tattered
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2025
Skyridge will send you its tattered battle plans during its long trip back to Utah.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 13 Sep. 2025
Of the roiling mass of restless natives, cranky artists and tattered idealists who rose up across the Southland this summer to flip off darkness and call America back to its better angels?
—John Lopez, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2025
The league was in its infancy, but drew dozens of kids from my block, all of us carrying tattered binders and folders full of the first generation of Pokémon cards.
—Jamal Michel, NPR, 31 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tattered
Adjective
Petals become tattered and fall apart.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2025
Skyridge will send you its tattered battle plans during its long trip back to Utah.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 13 Sep. 2025
Of the roiling mass of restless natives, cranky artists and tattered idealists who rose up across the Southland this summer to flip off darkness and call America back to its better angels?
—John Lopez, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2025
The league was in its infancy, but drew dozens of kids from my block, all of us carrying tattered binders and folders full of the first generation of Pokémon cards.
—Jamal Michel, NPR, 31 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tattered
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tattered
Adjective
-
Blades with ragged edges can be a sign of insects chewing on the blades, and tunneling below the surface or turf that can be lifted like a rug can indicate larvae are feeding on the root system.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
29 Sep. 2025
-
The architecture matches the vibe; there's bloodlust in the air and even among the ragged fans who camp along the road outside.—
Neda Ulaby,
NPR,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
One man, wearing a faded Scott Kingery shirt, admired the view from behind home plate on the club level.—
Matt Gelb,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
-
In 1975, Elvis was a faded star in Vegas and Robert Johnson was just another obscure dead bluesman.—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
22 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
In the fourth quarter, Seguin’s defense forced another turnover when Micah Bolden ripped the ball away from a Wolves player and returned it to midfield.—
Jordan Neal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Its approach to comedy is ripped straight from the world of musical cast parties and improv shows, with every performer doing their best to turn every line into a GIF-able burst of wholesome self-deprecation.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
At last Chiefs-Jags won by a single vote as the panel repaired to the Quill & Swill Pub to mend frayed feelings with old friend Jim Beam.—
Greg Cote
October 2,
Miami Herald,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Kōnane cackles with the frayed voice of a centuries-old elder.—
Matt Negrin,
Rolling Stone,
20 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Aiyuk, who tore his ACL and MCL in Week 7 of last season, isn't close to returning, and Pearsall and Jennings have what appear to be more minor ailments.—
Robert Marvi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Bosa also tore his ACL at MetLife Stadium.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Allen has shredded most of the AFC East in his career, but the Patriots have given him more trouble than anyone else.—
Andy Scholes,
CNN Money,
2 Oct. 2025
-
These spam texts ask for $10 while billionaires like Elon Musk support an infrastructure of misinformation and outrage that is keeping the American population busy fighting one another online while our rights are shredded.—
Sarah Stankorb,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tattered.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tattered. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share