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
On May 16 came a bright pink ballgown complete with an oversized bow and a tattered hoop skirt. Meg Walters, InStyle, 24 May 2026 Trump then asks how Epstein, in tattered, bloody clothes and a chain around his neck, is enjoying heaven. William Vaillancourt, Rolling Stone, 17 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 For Chicago, the shocking crimes are noteworthy contributors to its tattered national reputation — fair or not — for being unsafe and for criminal-justice policies perceived as being concerned more with the rights of those accused than the interests of those victimized. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tattered
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tattered
Adjective
  • Although King reached rare air with the Bulls during Rose’s ascent, most of his tenure as a broadcaster was spent breathing life into ragged seasons.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026
  • Kristen Stewart has sported every short hairstyle worth mentioning, but this impossibly ragged, exaggerated mullet feels like the correct choice for a grunge girl summer.
    Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 27 May 2026
Adjective
  • Police say that the suspect's vehicle has a faded convertible top, no rear window, chrome-and-red European-style taillights and chrome rims.
    Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 16 June 2026
  • Next to a limp rack of sleeveless tops stands a postapocalyptic forager-warrior mannequin in jeans, a faded plaid shirt, and a black baseball cap from the plus-size-women’s brand Torrid.
    Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • According to Ferguson, the adults were ripped out of the car as children were screaming in the backseat.
    JT Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 11 June 2026
  • Shayne Gostisbehere ripped a shot on goal, and after Hart made the save, Staal was first to find the puck and a clear shot right in front of the goal.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • Look for appliances with frayed or cracked cords and get rid of them.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 10 June 2026
  • Clemente suggests looking out for frayed or damaged cords, cracked plugs, unusual warmth, buzzing noises, burning smells, or discoloration around outlets.
    Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 9 June 2026
Verb
  • The 2025 third-round pick is the only healthy player returning from last season’s defensive line after Robertson-Harris tore his Achilles in the first week of OTAs.
    Dan Duggan, New York Times, 16 June 2026
  • Trump tore that deal up during his first term.
    Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • They can also be used as wraps in place of tortillas, shredded into soups, or sautéed with olive oil and garlic for a simpler preparation.
    Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 15 June 2026
  • Trees were shredded and came crashing down on cars and roofs.
    Darius Johnson, CBS News, 12 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Tattered.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tattered. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

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