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
Tisch’s decision rattled Sammy Feliz and his family to the core. —Julian Roberts-Grmela, New York Daily News, 5 July 2025 Many business leaders and others remain rattled because most people did not foresee the massive tariffs that Trump rolled out earlier this year. —Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 3 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
  • The rush of wind and thrum of tire roar was punctuated, not by engine revs and tailpipe cackles, but by birdsong.
    — Alistair Charlton, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
  • But the loudest roar — aside the one for the record strikeout — came when Kershaw bounded out of the dugout to start the sixth.
    — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2025
Definition of roar
Verb
  • Helicopters clattered overhead as protesters fled the area to the honking of car horns and periodic cheers.
    — Ramon Padilla, USA Today, 11 June 2025
  • Murrow’s reporting and commentary were broadcast live and that’s a byword here as everything clatters with real-time rhythms.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of clatter
Verb
  • The Drake Equation, created in 1961 by astronomer Frake Drake, is a way researchers guesstimate how many alien civilizations might be chatting out there in the Milky Way.
    — Clyde Wayne Crews Jr, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • On the outing, the couple was photographed walking together side-by-side, chatting and smiling.
    — Bailey Richards, People.com, 13 July 2025
Definition of chat
Verb
  • His answers during practice sessions were described as halting, rambling and inconsistent.
    — Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
  • Parks are for rambling, greenbelts are for hiking Central Texas is blessed with numerous parks, greenbelts and nature preserves.
    — Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Definition of ramble
Verb
  • SoCal embarrassed the Jekyll & Hyde Utah team, who were flying how but who lose easily to the near-last place Hard Eights for their only win of the weekend.
    — Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Such an attack might embarrass Trump and spur him to make good on his threat in his address to the nation on Saturday evening to respond to Iran with even greater force.
    — Uri Friedman, The Atlantic, 23 June 2025
Definition of embarrass
Noun
  • Some commercial leaf blowers are even louder, generating 115 decibels of noise up close and 100 decibels at 50 feet.
    — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2025
  • Generation Faraday essentially gives control back to educators and students by effectively eliminating phone distractions and restoring focus in classrooms, much like bringing quiet back after long periods of noise.
    — Ray Ravaglia, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
Definition of noise
Verb
  • Not talking an exceptionally high level; not the top-shelf stuff.
    — Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 14 July 2025
  • General manager Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with media during a press conference at Staples Center on August 10, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.
    — Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
Definition of talk
Verb
  • Partygoers wandered the streets, drinks in hand, wearing Scrim costumes made from furry onesies.
    — David W. Brown, New Yorker, 5 July 2025
  • The shelter added that Captain ended up at Bentonville after a woman found the dog wandering near a road while traveling in Missouri.
    — Moná Thomas, People.com, 5 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 19 Jul. 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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