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

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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
Full Story Trump tariff moves rattle markets Markets slipped Friday as President Trump prepares to implement steep import taxes on top U.S. trading partners Saturday. —Aris Folley, The Hill, 31 Jan. 2025 Cannes Market This wouldn’t be the first saber rattle from Trump that doesn’t come to pass as first mooted. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 5 May 2025
Verb
The woman was left rattled but not physically harmed, cops said. —Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 23 May 2025 Since winning the presidential election in November, Trump has vowed to put an end to the war that has rattled the Middle East. —Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 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
  • The crowd, which had already grown hostile to Ernst's tone, erupted in roars of disapproval.
    — Alana Wise, NPR, 31 May 2025
  • There’s something magical about a waterfall — the roar of rushing water fueled by snowmelt, the cooling mist, and lush vegetation thriving around it.
    — Jennifer Broome, Denver Post, 20 May 2025
Definition of roar
Verb
  • Its perils are represented by skeletons clattering behind the migrant, one cupping an hourglass just over his shoulder.
    — Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2025
  • But the 200 in attendance burst into life when Kylian Mbappe scores Madrid’s first from the penalty spot in the fifth minute after being clattered by goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.
    — Tomás Hill López-Menchero, New York Times, 14 May 2025
Definition of clatter
Verb
  • Arden had been chatting with his husband, actor Andy Mientus, about the Tony-winning musical by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater spun from Wedekind’s drama.
    — Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
  • Hurley, 59, was then captured posing for pictures at the event and the couple were seen chatting outside.
    — Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 27 May 2025
Definition of chat
Verb
  • Its text, which rambled over hundreds of pages, constructed several global tiers of AI access and strictly dictated when, where, and how advanced AI products can be deployed.
    — Matthew Mittelsteadt, National Review, 26 May 2025
  • The audio proves otherwise as the recordings show Biden was confused, rambling, and couldn’t even remember when his son Beau died.
    — Doug Friednash, Denver Post, 21 May 2025
Definition of ramble
Verb
  • McGregor dismantled Aldo during the pre-fight lead-up and subsequently embarrassed him in 13 seconds at UFC 194 in 2015.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
  • But Mei is convinced her overbearing mother only exists to embarrass while never understanding her struggles.
    — Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 8 May 2025
Definition of embarrass
Noun
  • These underwater cameras record which animals swim by without the noise usually associated with a person at the end of that capture, providing snapshots of reef life that are difficult to capture otherwise.
    — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • From the Guentzel, Burns and (both) Rantanen trades, to the signing of Orlov and the blockbuster deal that started it all — Elias Lindholm and Noah Hanifin to Calgary for Dougie Hamilton, Micheal Ferland and Adam Fox — Carolina isn’t afraid to make noise.
    — Cory Lavalette, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Definition of noise
Verb
  • Reopen Scripps Coastal Reserve first, talk later This letter was sent to California Coastal Commission enforcement staff counsel Andrew Willis, with a copy to the La Jolla Light.
    — Letters To The Editor, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2025
  • Patti LuPone stood in a midtown recording studio one spring afternoon, talking to Carrie Bradshaw.
    — Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
Definition of talk
Verb
  • Across the street, walking to their apartments, Marta Becerra, 50, and Margarita Mota, 60, said people from the parking structure had wandered into their apartment complex, stealing bicycles and other items from people’s porches.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025
  • Any Colorado wolves that wander into Utah, New Mexico or Arizona will be retrieved and brought back to the Centennial State, under agreements state wildlife officials inked with those neighboring states.
    — Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 28 May 2025
Definition of wander

Browse Nearby Words

ratting (on)
rattle
rattlebrain
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Cite this Entry

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