rattle 1 of 2

noun

Definition of rattlenext
as in roar
loud, confused, and usually inharmonious sound I'd go nuts if I had to endure the rattle of that bottling plant every day

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

rattle

2 of 2

verb

ˈra-tᵊl How to pronounce rattle (audio)
1
as in to clatter
to make a series of short sharp noises the children tromped through the kitchen, making the plates on the shelf rattle

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to chat
to engage in casual or rambling conversation busily rattling away about our vacation plans, we didn't listen to the announcements and missed our flight

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to ramble
to talk at length without sticking to a topic or getting to a point she rattled on and on about all her European shopping trips, but I wasn't really listening

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to embarrass
to throw into a state of self-conscious distress don't let a little mistake rattle you while you're playing during the piano recital

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb rattle contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rattle are abash, discomfit, disconcert, and embarrass. While all these words mean "to distress by confusing or confounding," rattle implies an agitation that impairs thought and judgment.

rattled by all the television cameras

When might abash be a better fit than rattle?

Although the words abash and rattle have much in common, abash presupposes some initial self-confidence that receives a sudden check, producing shyness, shame, or a feeling of inferiority.

abashed by her swift and cutting retort

When could discomfit be used to replace rattle?

While in some cases nearly identical to rattle, discomfit implies a hampering or frustrating accompanied by confusion.

hecklers discomfited the speaker

When is disconcert a more appropriate choice than rattle?

The words disconcert and rattle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, disconcert implies an upsetting of equanimity or assurance producing uncertainty or hesitancy.

disconcerted by finding so many in attendance

When would embarrass be a good substitute for rattle?

In some situations, the words embarrass and rattle are roughly equivalent. However, embarrass implies some influence that impedes thought, speech, or action.

the question embarrassed her so much she couldn't answer

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 rattle
Noun
Alternative investments are gaining traction among financial advisors who are seeking diversification just as rising geopolitical tensions and shaky tariff policy rattle stocks. —Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 18 June 2025 Stocks around the world have declined as Trump’s tariffs rattle markets. —David Goldman, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
Some companies, including Klarna and ticket reseller StubHub, delayed public offerings earlier this year as President Donald Trump's tariff plans rattled global markets. —Samantha Subin, CNBC, 11 July 2025 Carriers know to make noises or rattle fences before entering a yard. —Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for rattle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rattle
  1. roar
  2. clatter
  3. chat
  4. ramble
  5. embarrass
  6. noise
  7. talk
  8. wander
Noun
  • People should also be alert to visible natural signs of a tsunami, including a loud roar from the ocean and a sudden rise or fall of water levels.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 30 July 2025
  • Even holding serve to consolidate the break and go up 4-1 with a forehand crosscourt shot that Arango couldn’t handle led to roars.
    — Lukas Weese, New York Times, 29 July 2025
Definition of roar
Verb
  • But Hart, somehow, made up the ground, punching the ball just wide of the post at full-stretch before clattering into the net.
    — The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 23 July 2025
  • Helicopters clattered overhead as protesters fled the area to the honking of car horns and periodic cheers.
    — Ramon Padilla, USA Today, 11 June 2025
Definition of clatter
Verb
  • While chatting with Jori Epstein of Yahoo Sports, Metcalf sent a very bold warning to the rest of the league.
    — Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
  • In 1992, Epstein joined Trump for a party at Mar-a-Lago, where a video shows Trump chatting and laughing next to Epstein.
    — Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 25 July 2025
Definition of chat
Verb
  • Get Straight To The Point Don’t waste time rambling with a lengthy introduction.
    — Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • Sweet Peas: In the garden, these delicate blooms need a structure to ramble on but Cordelia favors their wildness in cut flower arrangements.
    — Lauren Dunec Hoang, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 July 2025
Definition of ramble
Verb
  • Look, the Yankees didn’t embarrass themselves in a 4-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on Monday night.
    — Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 29 July 2025
  • In the aftermath, the mother was angry for a week, accusing him of undermining her authority and embarrassing her in front of their social circle.
    — Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 July 2025
Definition of embarrass
Noun
  • During his eight years as a state senator and 12 years as lieutenant governor, Patrick has consistently used visuals and language essential for delivering a message that cuts through the noise of modern political discourse.
    — John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • The soundscape options include rain, forest noises, white noise and more.
    — David Phelan, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Definition of noise
Verb
  • Joey’s parents encouraged him to talk to Sunseri and head coach DeShaun Foster to find out what was going on.
    — Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 25 July 2025
  • Police shared links to two videos on the Heston James Instagram account that showed Cobb talking to employees at two different businesses, including what appeared to be a Chipotle and an auto repair shop.
    — Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of talk
Verb
  • Each of the eight pet-friendly rooms has a different design, and guests can enjoy nearby restaurants and wander the surrounding Bellaire Court Historic District.
    — Caroline Eubanks, Travel + Leisure, 29 July 2025
  • Last year was the deadliest year recorded for children with autism who wandered, and nearly all in that record died from drowning, according to tracking from the association.
    — Darcie Moran, USA Today, 29 July 2025
Definition of wander

Browse Nearby Words

ratting (on)
rattle
rattlebrain
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rattle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rattle. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on rattle

Nglish: Translation of rattle for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rattle

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