Definition of tatternext
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

Relevance

tatter

2 of 2

noun

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 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
Their pitching staff then turned to tatters, heightening the importance of an offense that must mask it. Including Tucker, seven of Houston’s qualified hitters finished the first half with an OPS+ of 100 or higher. — Chandler Rome, The Athletic, 15 July 2024 Rourke himself approached the street at this hour in suave array and manic tatters. — Kevin Barry, Harper's Magazine, 2 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for tatter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tatter
Verb
  • Producers Arya Ibrahim and Gita Fara describe the project as a story of the political upheaval of 1965, which tore families apart and left people who lost their citizenship living as exiles.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The storm began tearing through the region on Friday evening.
    — Erika Angulo, NBC news, 11 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • There’s yet to be a shred of evidence that Belichick can build and guide North Carolina’s roster into the kind of behemoth that can go on the road in the ACC, play poorly and win by double digits while barely being threatened with a loss.
    — David Ubben, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Without a shred of evidence, Cloud casually weaponized domestic violence allegations against a fan who was simply cheering for his home team.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Poindexter responded to the legal threat by ripping the letter in half.
    — Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The results led her doctor to order another test, during which her artery was ripped.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The star is 2,160,000 ppb of low-molecular-weight collagen—in other words, smaller collagen fragments that help draw moisture to skin for a plumper, firmer look.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026
  • This test, as well as others like it, can detect tiny fragments of free-floating DNA in the blood.
    — H. Gilbert Welch, STAT, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Numerous tornado warnings were also issued for parts of South Carolina and Georgia as the remnants of Isaias move northward and help create supercells of rain and unstable air, according to National Weather Service alerts and forecasts.
    — Erika Angulo, NBC news, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Weather forecasters say remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel could hit Salt Lake City, site of the game, sometime between Saturday night and Monday.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 10 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Natural uranium contains a mix of isotopes, of which only a tiny fraction can sustain an explosive chain reaction.
    — Mike McRae October 06, New Atlas, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Its output and performance numbers compared favorably to the Lamborghini Revuelto, but at just a fraction of the price.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • When the designers need additional materials, Phini encourages them to use scraps and leftover fabric from previous projects.
    — Bella Webb, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Blanding hops in and out of the truck, grabbing buckets of food scraps from porches and restaurants, piling those scraps into bins in the truck bed and driving them to a composting site.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • During execution, every detail matters and there is real satisfaction in watching the pieces come together and helping translate a founder’s hopes and dreams into reality.
    — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • There are no people in her piece, simply 45 silver images of Bowery storefronts and gutters, typically littered with empty bottles.
    — J. Hoberman, ARTnews.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tatter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tatter. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!