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
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 Nichols organized a day where 26 volunteers came together to replace American tattered and torn flags with brand new ones, including David and Sue Hornbrook's torn flag. — Charlie Lapastora, CBS News, 15 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
  • After a poor show against the Springboks, England was under pressure to avoid a sixth straight test defeat for the first time in 20 years and beat Fiji, which ran Wales ragged last weekend but was overcome in the set-pieces.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 July 2026
  • This leaves ragged and bruised leaf tips behind that quickly turn brown and are more susceptible to disease.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 June 2026
Definition of ragged
Adjective
  • 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
  • The faded fabric, buttery-soft cotton, and contrast-trim neckline lend it a vintage vibe that won’t look out of place when paired with more contemporary pieces.
    — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 28 June 2026
Definition of faded
Verb
  • Now, there are other less, kind of, ripped-from-the-headlines cases.
    — Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 9 July 2026
  • As a result of low demand and a decline in sales, California producers ripped out nearly 40,000 acres of vines, according to a 2025 report from the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG).
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 9 July 2026
Definition of ripped
Adjective
  • Jean shorts had a yellowish antique tint and were chopped and frayed.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 9 July 2026
  • Vacuum the rug, being careful to avoid edges and frayed areas.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 5 July 2026
Definition of frayed
Verb
  • In the early hours of New Year's Day, a fire tore through a bar in the Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana, killing about 40 people and injuring more than 100.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 July 2026
  • At least 27 people were killed when a massive fire tore through the Na Ladprao pub in northern Bangkok shortly after midnight, sending panicked patrons scrambling to escape.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
Definition of tore
Verb
  • An online version of the ad reviewed by The Star features a copy of the Missouri Constitution being shredded.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026
  • The leaves can be used whole or shredded; they are often torn to release their oils during cooking and then removed before serving the dish.
    — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 June 2026
Definition of shredded

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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 17 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of tattered for Spanish Speakers

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