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

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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

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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

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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
  • At 43, Laferte’s vocal cords have reached a decadent peak — angry and ragged, deliciously wounded.
    — Ernesto Lechner, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
  • Leaving ragged, uneven stem ends behind may help introduce disease to your lily plants.
    — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 21 July 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
  • Eric_Lynxweiler | Courtesy of Latinos in Heritage Conservation The Silver Platter, with its faded crimson awning along a stretch in Los Angeles’ Westlake District, doesn’t look like much from the outside.
    — R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Definition of faded
Verb
  • In the second hour of Thursday’s practice Gordon committed his second fumble in two days when cornerback Chris Johnson ripped the ball out, and recovered it.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
  • The ferocious biting and pulling had broken the webbing and ripped the holster from my body.
    — Todd Orr, Outdoor Life, 30 July 2026
Definition of ripped
Adjective
  • The entire frock was crafted from pleated pieces of frayed satin, creating a subtle multi-dimensional effect from every angle.
    — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 30 July 2026
  • Jean shorts had a yellowish antique tint and were chopped and frayed.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 9 July 2026
Definition of frayed
Verb
  • As recently as 2024, Hurricanes Helene and Milton tore through Florida weeks before Election Day, damaging 25 polling places and forcing a reduction of these centers.
    — Jonathan Webber, Sun Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The role is being recast after Ryan Hurst, who had been originally set as Kratos, tore a bicep while performing a stunt on set in late June, four months into the shoot, with the injury requiring surgery followed by a long recovery.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of tore
Verb
  • If a star gets too close to a black hole, it will be shredded by tidal forces in what’s called a tidal disruption event (TDE).
    — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 29 July 2026
  • Take time to sort through what needs to be saved, what can be shredded, and what can be digitized.
    — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 26 July 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 6 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of tattered for Spanish Speakers

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