1
as in ragged
wearing torn or worn-out clothes
arrived at the shelter tattered and exhausted
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in faded
worn or torn into or as if into rags
a hobo in tattered old clothes and worn-out shoes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Jason Motlagh,
Rolling Stone,
22 June 2026
The look was created from tattered bootleg championship shirts in blue, white and orange, which were sourced from vendors in NYC this week.
—
Karla Rodriguez,
Footwear News,
18 June 2026
Their vibrant appendages become tattered and dull.
—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
16 June 2026
Nichols organized a day where 26 volunteers came together to replace American tattered and torn flags with brand new ones, including David and Sue Hornbrook's torn flag.
—
Charlie Lapastora,
CBS News,
15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for tattered
Adjective
One-touch passing, feinting and ripping hard shots into a tattered net, each is super-charged by vivid daydreams of glory on the international stage.
—
Jason Motlagh,
Rolling Stone,
22 June 2026
The look was created from tattered bootleg championship shirts in blue, white and orange, which were sourced from vendors in NYC this week.
—
Karla Rodriguez,
Footwear News,
18 June 2026
Their vibrant appendages become tattered and dull.
—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
16 June 2026
Nichols organized a day where 26 volunteers came together to replace American tattered and torn flags with brand new ones, including David and Sue Hornbrook's torn flag.
—
Charlie Lapastora,
CBS News,
15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for tattered
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tattered
Adjective
-
This leaves ragged and bruised leaf tips behind that quickly turn brown and are more susceptible to disease.
-
His hushed, ragged whisper feels suitably weathered, fitting a collection of songs that never are in a hurry.
Adjective
-
Eric_Lynxweiler | Courtesy of Latinos in Heritage Conservation The Silver Platter, with its faded crimson awning along a stretch in Los Angeles’ Westlake District, doesn’t look like much from the outside.
-
The faded fabric, buttery-soft cotton, and contrast-trim neckline lend it a vintage vibe that won’t look out of place when paired with more contemporary pieces.
Verb
-
Lamine Yamal, with the ball bouncing inside the box, spun and ripped a shot that Austria's goalkeeper just stopped for a corner kick.
-
The statement also ripped Shipnuck for citing a source in which Mickelson's wife, Amy, played a role in his departures from clubs.
Adjective
-
The post-World War II liberal consensus is badly frayed and may well implode.
-
The memento, sourced from a Salvation Army, does show some signs of use in the film, including staining, frayed fringe, and some loose threads.
Verb
-
In 2021, disaster nearly erased the landmark entirely when a fire tore through much of the restaurant, heavily damaging the building.
-
In the hours after two earthquakes tore through northern Venezuela on the evening of June 24, the people pulling survivors from the rubble were, overwhelmingly, the survivors’ own neighbors.
Verb
-
An online version of the ad reviewed by The Star features a copy of the Missouri Constitution being shredded.
-
The leaves can be used whole or shredded; they are often torn to release their oils during cooking and then removed before serving the dish.
Cite this Entry
“Tattered.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tattered. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
