tattered 1 of 2

adjective

ˈta-tərd How to pronounce tattered (audio)
Definition of tatterednext
1
as in ragged
wearing torn or worn-out clothes arrived at the shelter tattered and exhausted

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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
Tying an Italian surname to the Outfit has become a tattered badge of honor in the antiquated newsroom of certain outlets with truth thrown to the curb. — Gary Grasso, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026 One-touch passing, feinting and ripping hard shots into a tattered net, each is super-charged by vivid daydreams of glory on the international stage. — Jason Motlagh, Rolling Stone, 22 June 2026 The look was created from tattered bootleg championship shirts in blue, white and orange, which were sourced from vendors in NYC this week. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 18 June 2026 Their vibrant appendages become tattered and dull. — Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for tattered
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tattered
  1. ragged
  2. faded
  3. ripped
  4. frayed
  5. tore
  6. shredded
Adjective
  • Typically depicted with exaggerated features and ragged clothing – or no clothing at all – these children were often shown being chased by alligators or other wild animals.
    — The Conversation, The Conversation, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Sharpen Mower Blades Dull blades create a ragged leaf edge, which is the ideal entry point for diseases.
    — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of ragged
Adjective
  • Today, Tskaltubo's grand architecture stands as a testament to its faded glory—the sweeping arcs, decorative motifs, and faded murals all reminiscent of its once poignant beauty.
    — Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 27 July 2026
  • Learn how to stain a fence the right way to protect a new wood fence or enhance a faded fence.
    — Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 July 2026
Definition of faded
Verb
  • The images her sister captured after the strike show the trajectory of the projectile, which ripped through floor after floor, and left a gaping hole covered in a thick layer of white dust.
    — Ava Bambuck, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • As if it were ripped from a movie script, Crow-Armstrong slugged a leadoff home run in the first — just as Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani had in the top of the inning to cap a 10-pitch at-bat against Shota Imanaga.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of ripped
Adjective
  • Her choice has a similar frayed edge to the Quince version, which is made from 100-percent linen for a lightweight and breathable layer that even works in warmer weather.
    — Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
  • To say my hair looked frayed and hay-like would be an insult to hay.
    — Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 31 July 2026
Definition of frayed
Verb
  • In January 2022, Tropical Storm Ana tore through the Kapichira Dam, ripping roughly 129 megawatts of hydropower off the national grid in a single stroke.
    — Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The collision killed her, tore the roof off the Corolla and caused Lynch’s truck to flip over, the release said.
    — Haley Parsley August 8, Sacbee.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of tore
Verb
  • In all, the Examiner reports cities in 23 states have shredded their Flock contracts so far this year, led by California and Wisconsin, which each have seven rejections, cancellations, or deactivations.
    — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 6 Aug. 2026
  • In detailed interviews, many people who’ve been sickened reported eating lettuce, often shredded iceberg lettuce supplied to restaurants like Taco Bell by produce giant Taylor Farms.
    — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of shredded

Browse Nearby Words

tatterdemalion
tattered
tattering
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Cite this Entry

“Tattered.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tattered. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of tattered for Spanish Speakers

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