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

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
  • Meanwhile, the Remarkably Bright Creatures star, 33, embraced a warmer approach, with off-white jeans and a faded blue shirt under a dark blue chore jacket.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Inside the homes, sunlight falls on faded posters, worn furniture, and an old radio by a window.
    — Ana Karina Zatarain, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of faded
Verb
  • In the fifth, Bregman ripped a sweeper from Jake Bird into the visitors' bullpen in left for a three-run shot to cap the Cubs' four-run inning.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Winds ripped gutters from cottages where staff members live during the school year and tore the face from a clock tower that has stood at the school since its founding more than a century ago.
    — Lila Hempel-Edgers, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of ripped
Adjective
  • Susan Sherren, founder of Couture Trips, said flight attendants and gate agents are just fellow humans with frayed nerves.
    — Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of frayed
Verb
  • One month after a fire tore through the Helix Apartments in St Louis Park, Minnesota, neighbors are still stepping in to help.
    — Ashley Grams, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Second-round pick Chase Bisontis, who was in contention for the starting right guard position, tore the MCL in his left knee.
    — Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of tore
Verb
  • Step 2 Add 3–4 cups shredded skinless chicken meat (from about 1 small rotisserie chicken) to dressing and toss to coat.
    — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Aug. 2026
  • 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
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 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tattered

Nglish: Translation of tattered for Spanish Speakers

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