as in tears
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
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tatters
Verb
-
Under her watch, Americans have been murdered in cold blood, DHS has obstructed lawful congressional oversight, dismissed credible reports of abuse, carried out an extreme agenda that tears families apart and destabilizes communities.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
5 Feb. 2026 -
Catherine uplifted us in a world that often tears us down.—
Andrew Gelwicks,
Vogue,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Depending on the variety of marmalade, the rind can be cut into thick pieces or into tiny shreds.—
Amy Sherman,
Martha Stewart,
8 Jan. 2026
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My search proved fruitful, so below you’ll find my top picks, including an air fryer that saves counterspace, a set of six dishcloths for $24, and a chopping gadget that also slices, grates, and shreds.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
27 Dec. 2025
Noun
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In addition to using soft sponges and rags, Martha recommends using cotton swabs to apply the cream to tight spots and crevices when cleaning.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Use clean old towels or rags to ensure the surface gets completely dry.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Seguin rips Burleson, remains fourth in 8-5A Zoderick Green paced Arlington Seguin with 17 points as the Cougars held on to fourth place in District 8-5A with a 69-42 win over Burleson.—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Feb. 2026
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There’s one unloved hotel and little else to see from Highway 31, the road that rips through town and runs far, far north, all the way to Lake Michigan.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Information comes in fragments through family, messages and what people are able to share online.—
Emily Chan,
Vogue,
14 Feb. 2026
-
What is more certain is the fact that ASASSN-24fw itself is closely circled by gas and dust fragments, which seem to be the remains of previous planetary collisions.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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This cut has the coolness of a long, rock-and-roll shag, but floatier layers and romantic, face-framing pieces, or curtain bangs, to bring it into 2026.—
Loren Savini,
Allure,
14 Feb. 2026
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The score alternates between traditional ceremonial sounds and some jazz pieces by saxophonist Keïta Janota and Gaspard Gomis which frame the narration.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
With only 12 weeks to pull together a wardrobe for the cast, and few of Jones’s old clothing in the archives, Rowe recreated some historical looks— such as the infamous red penguin-print pajama set (a version of the pajama top is worn by Jones on a school run in the new film).—
Kati Chitrakorn,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
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The women were able to conceal their pregnancies because they'd been given baggy dresses, clothing from women who'd been gassed, at Auschwitz, Holden said.—
Lesley Stahl,
CBS News,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In this week’s show, there were slinky fabrics and macho outerwear, and scraps of fur over jersey dresses clinging to terrific asses of all sizes.—
Rachel Tashjian,
CNN Money,
18 Feb. 2026
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On Christmas Eve, 125 volunteers turned out to pick up insulation and other scraps of debris the storm left in its wake.—
John Meyer,
Denver Post,
17 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Tatters.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tatters. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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