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
Inflation remains stubbornly high and the economic outlook subdued, frustrating efforts to repair tattered public services and ease the cost of living. Jason Ma, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for tattered
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tattered
Adjective
  • My breath is nervous and ragged but my will determined.
    Vanita Salisbury, AFAR Media, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The result is a ragged primal scream of a film — not a cry for help, but rather, a bellow of maternal rage.
    Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Characterized by their faded or worn-out effect, as if their original color had been lightened by washing, these beloved jeans stand out for their vintage and carefree air.
    Mayte Salido, Glamour, 4 Jan. 2026
  • The styling trick works even with an outfit that leans as grunge as this, with ballooning black cargo pants, a muted flannel, and a faded black tee.
    Alyssa Rotunno, InStyle, 30 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Midway through the third quarter, true freshman linebacker Mason Posa, buried on the depth chart just weeks ago, ripped the ball loose at Washington’s 7-yard line and fell on it himself.
    Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • As a result of that low demand and a massive decline in sales, producers in the Golden State have ripped out nearly 40,000 acres of vines over the past year, according to a new report from the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG).
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite a still-robust economy, on paper anyway, lackluster hiring is adding to Americans’ frayed nerves, as is the erosion of federal safety-net benefits.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
  • The ropes under my hands, touched lightly, lightly, felt somewhat frayed and old, and the ironwood slats under my feet seemed occasional.
    Ryan Knighton, AFAR Media, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The shots tore Lee’s face apart.
    Equal Justice Initiative, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
  • In western Jamaica, communities remain isolated after Hurricane Melissa tore through the island.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The next week, the Broncos trailed 28-7 to Justin Fields and the Bears, who shredded Denver’s defense, too, before a massive second-half comeback.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Cyrus's latest music video look is literally shredded into pieces.
    Hannah Malach, InStyle, 5 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tattered.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tattered. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on tattered

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!