tattered 1 of 2

Definition of tatterednext

tattered

2 of 2

verb

past tense of tatter
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
Adjective
Worn Washcloths or Towels Go through all your linens in the bathroom, and discard any that are old, stained, tattered, or smell weird. Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 10 June 2026 In the evening, place your bait near a pile of wood or rubble and cover it with newspaper or a tattered cardboard box. Chad Mason, Outdoor Life, 3 June 2026 On May 16 came a bright pink ballgown complete with an oversized bow and a tattered hoop skirt. Meg Walters, InStyle, 24 May 2026 The sweater now has a deep V-neck with stylishly tattered edges, which Andy pairs with a button-down shirt and jeans. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 3 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for tattered
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tattered
Adjective
  • Slugs and snails are some of the peskiest garden visitors that can riddle plant leaves with ragged holes or chew tender crops like lettuce down to nubs overnight.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2026
  • But the work was running him ragged.
    John Swansburg, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • Directed by Son Jae-gon and starring Gang Dong-won, Uhm Tae-goo, and Park Ji-hyun, the film tracks a faded first-generation K-pop co-ed dance trio making a reckless attempt to stage a comeback two decades after a plagiarism scandal dissolved their careers.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 June 2026
  • The one difference was a new layer of red bricks over the faded previous layer.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Police alleged that Love ripped a credit card reader from its mount and threw it at the employee, striking her in the head and breaking her glasses.
    Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026
  • Perhaps the police ripped it from me that time on Merrion Square.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • Meghan's pussybow button-down featured an optical illusion in the form of a double collar, as well as a frayed black ribbon at the neckline.
    Hannah Malach, InStyle, 11 June 2026
  • Look for appliances with frayed or cracked cords and get rid of them.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • The May 28 fire tore through a dormitory housing 202 students at the Utumishi Girls School in central Kenya, and students were forced to flee through a single doorway when the school matron failed to open an emergency exit.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 June 2026
  • Ultimately, the partnership didn’t work out, as Lillard tore his left Achilles tendon in the 2025 playoffs.
    Eric Nehm, New York Times, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • The first pair hardly lasted a season; after several backpacking missions on soggy trails, the mesh on the uppers was practically shredded, and the outsoles had started to separate from the rest of the shoe.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2026
  • In a building across from City Hall Park, staff shredded additional paper Wednesday, with plans to use a leaf blower for maximum effect.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 18 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Tattered.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tattered. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

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