tatters 1 of 2

Definition of tattersnext
present tense third-person singular of tatter
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

Relevance

tatters

2 of 2

noun

plural of tatter

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tatters
Verb
  • Wielding his powers, Simon tears the cell bars away.
    JP Mangalindan, Time, 27 Jan. 2026
  • This is definitely something that tears at your heartstrings.
    Alexandra Simon, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
  • Stuff towels or rags in any cracks under doors or near windows.
    Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 29 Jan. 2026
  • New England is proof rags-to-riches is still a thing in the NFL.
    Greg Cote January 26, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • With Pres as the DJ, Gabe rips through damn-near all of Sortilège like a pro.
    Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Fast forward to today, and, somehow, the tremendously rotund AMG GT rips down twisty roads with nearly as much athleticism as fare weighing 2,000-or-more pounds less.
    Peter Nelson, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Krasnodar officials said drone fragments fell on two industrial plants in the city of Slavyansk, sparking fires that were extinguished.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
  • His output can be seen as a kind of wilderness preserve, in which stray fragments of musical history are allowed to roam free, without having to worry about adapting themselves to any modish system or sensibility.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • There’s even an artist in residence program where hosted artists work on their pieces on property while answering questions from guests.
    Asonta Benetti, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Jan. 2026
  • The pieces are made of a soft, wrinkle-resistant material that’s comfortable for traveling or lounging at home.
    Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The scrutiny from the EU comes after Grok sparked a global backlash by allowing users, through its AI image generation and editing capabilities, to undress people, putting women and girls in transparent bikinis or revealing clothing.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Chester County Residents who need temporary shelter, food and clothing during the winter can call 211 or text their zip code to 898-211 for immediate assistance.
    Bill Kelly, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Take the quiz here … BUCKLE UP – Major airline scraps two signature policies many passengers long depended on.
    , FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Cioppino is a result of their resourcefulness, tossing seafood scraps into stockpots, down on Fisherman’s Wharf.
    Becky Duffett, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
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.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tatters.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tatters. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on tatters

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!