1
as in ragged
wearing torn or worn-out clothes
arrived at the shelter tattered and exhausted
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 23 Sep. 2025
The emperor died immediately, and afterward his assassins dragged his tattered remains through the streets of Haiti’s future capital.
—Marlene L. Daut
september 22, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2025
Petals become tattered and fall apart.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2025
Skyridge will send you its tattered battle plans during its long trip back to Utah.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tattered
Adjective
In the artwork, the 29-year-old is wearing a tattered white gown and a bright yellow parachute that is caught in a tree with a serene, blue sky in the background.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 23 Sep. 2025
The emperor died immediately, and afterward his assassins dragged his tattered remains through the streets of Haiti’s future capital.
—Marlene L. Daut
september 22, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2025
Petals become tattered and fall apart.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2025
Skyridge will send you its tattered battle plans during its long trip back to Utah.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tattered
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tattered
Adjective
-
Dull blades leave behind ragged leaf tips, which are quick entry points for turf diseases.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Oct. 2025
-
Her once ragged fur transformed.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Scherzinger’s only familiarity with the material was Billy Wilder’s 1950 film, which starred Gloria Swanson as a faded beauty of the silent era hell-bent on a return to relevance.—
Tatiana Siegel,
Variety,
28 Oct. 2025
-
Her long blond ends drew a stark contrast to her faded brown roots, which were parted down the middle and brushed up in the back.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Midway through the first period, Matthews ripped home a power-play goal.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
-
There's a naivety and sweetness to them that's ripped away in an instant when the two passionately make love in the barren house, the inciting incident for the demise of their relationship.—
Billie Melissa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
These from Jenni Kayne carry the designer’s signature Californian nonchalance with a frayed edge.—
Kate McGregor,
Architectural Digest,
23 Oct. 2025
-
In London, Di Petsa recreated the look of sandy beaches with two tan denim frocks, embellished with frayed seams and hems.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Williams, a third-team All-NBA and second-team All-Defensive selection last season, tore the scapholunate ligament in his wrist on April 9 but put off surgery until after the Thunder’s historic run.—
Joe Vardon,
New York Times,
22 Oct. 2025
-
Thursday marks the 10-month anniversary of the day Miami Heat guard Dru Smith tore his Achilles.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Years of hot sunshine, winds and rain steadily shredded the tarp, transforming the old church into one of San Jose’s worst eyesores.—
George Avalos,
Mercury News,
21 Oct. 2025
-
The Chargers – who were 3-0 before their patchwork quilt of an offensive line was completely shredded by injuries – fell to 4-3.—
Mirjam Swanson,
Oc Register,
20 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tattered.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tattered. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share