as in to tear
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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as in shred
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tatter
Nathan Taylor Pemberton, New York Times, 20 Jan. 2020
So where did Ransom’s tattered cozy knit end up after filming wrapped?
—Ale Russian, PEOPLE.com, 26 Dec. 2019
Kevin Barry, Harper's Magazine, 2 July 2024
Smith’s office is now consigned to assess the tatters in which the court’s ruling has left its prosecution and determine, like a homeowner after a tornado has touched down, what can be salvaged.
—Ruth Marcus, Washington Post, 1 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for tatter
Verb
Coming down that highway, one’s arrival was confirmed by a row of flag poles holding international flags, tattered and generally ignored.
—Nathan Taylor Pemberton, New York Times, 20 Jan. 2020
So where did Ransom’s tattered cozy knit end up after filming wrapped?
—Ale Russian, PEOPLE.com, 26 Dec. 2019
Noun
Rourke himself approached the street at this hour in suave array and manic tatters.
—Kevin Barry, Harper's Magazine, 2 July 2024
Smith’s office is now consigned to assess the tatters in which the court’s ruling has left its prosecution and determine, like a homeowner after a tornado has touched down, what can be salvaged.
—Ruth Marcus, Washington Post, 1 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for tatter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tatter
Verb
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The case has deeply embarrassed the royal family, especially his mother, who suffers from an incurable lung illness and who is torn between her role as mother and future queen.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
10 Feb. 2026
-
And that dislocation tore the labrum, which is the tissue that surrounds the socket and attaches it to the bone.—
Jenny McCoy,
SELF,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The Nuggets of three seasons ago finished guests off without a shred of mercy.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
11 Feb. 2026
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There is not a shred of doubt that the center is used to peddle the influence of Iran’s political Islam.—
Benjamin Weinthal,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Of the 605 sites where a multiagency state and federal task force ripped out illicit cannabis plants, roughly 9% were on public lands — up from an average of 3% to 4%.—
Rachel Becker,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Feb. 2026
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The footage also shows the person holding a flashlight in their mouth and trying to cover the camera with a gloved hand and part of a plant ripped from the yard.—
Hallie Golden,
Fortune,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Although most of the fragments in it show figurative details, the picture overall dissolves into an abstract pattern.—
Benjamin Lima
Special Contributor,
Dallas Morning News,
7 Feb. 2026
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Shifting the pricing pressure to individuals fragments purchasing power and weakens collective negotiation.—
Sreedhar Potarazu,
Baltimore Sun,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
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As more and more satellite megaconstellations continue to be launched into Earth orbit, some researchers are beginning to calculate the chances that people on the surface could be struck by the incoming remnants of these spacecraft reentering the atmosphere.—
Leonard David,
Space.com,
13 Feb. 2026
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The stellar remnant will contract to form a white dwarf, and while the planetary nebula will fade after perhaps 20,000 years, the white dwarf will continue to shine for many trillions of years before fading out.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Solar stayed flat at a fraction of the amount of coal and natural gas power.—
MATTHEW DALY,
Arkansas Online,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Many cities allocate a fraction of the hotel tax, casino, or convention revenue to their tourism bureaus.—
John Calvelli,
New York Daily News,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Cut with a floured 2 3/4- to 3-inch round or square cutter; re-form scraps as necessary to make six biscuits.—
Holly Riordan,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Feb. 2026
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The Italian, now a free agent, is the favourite to be named as the next permanent Tottenham boss according to Betfair, as the team gear up for a relegation scrap over the final months of the season.—
Peter South,
New York Times,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Effective verification would likely entail having the abductor — or abductee — provide a unique piece of information only a handful of people would know.—
Chris Kenning,
USA Today,
8 Feb. 2026
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The 325-piece set captures charming details like Glinda’s pink dress, bubble wand, and tiara, and Elphaba’s green skin and signature broom.—
Brittany Anas,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tatter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tatter. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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