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rattle 1 of 2

Definition of rattlenext

rattle

2 of 2

verb

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
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

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
This siren’s song arises from the murmur of doves on an Arizona stock tank and the rattle of Indiana cornstalks. Jim Moore, Outdoor Life, 8 Oct. 2025 Think things like rattles, balls, activity gyms, and more. Kimberly Zapata, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
Now, the students are looking to him for wisdom, which is bound to rattle him. Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Jan. 2026 Substitute Shea Lacey rattled the Burnley crossbar in the final 10 minutes, but that was as close as United came to retaking the lead. Chris McKenna, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rattle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rattle
Noun
  • An onboard synthesizer manipulates a small set of core sounds to mimic everything from the roar of a jet plane to the flushing of a toilet through a little speaker in the Brick.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Jan. 2026
  • The people want to see Varang’s fierce roars!
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 3 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • As David tried to control the flames, silverware clattered to the floor, and in an effort to save the flaming cake, Ann put it onto a wicker chair.
    Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 27 Dec. 2025
  • People talk over music, clattering plates, and dozens of overlapping conversations in crowded rooms.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • While chatting with Fallon, Sink shared a few thoughts on the explosive finale of Stranger Things—some of which proved to be a little controversial.
    Meg Walters, InStyle, 7 Jan. 2026
  • About halfway through, a few students finished and started chatting.
    Lila Shapiro, Vulture, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Miller says that technique helped create a headspace for Mr. Runaway that matched the album’s rambling vibe.
    Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 28 Dec. 2025
  • Drew Mestemaker threw for 366 yards and three touchdowns while Caleb Hawkins rambled for 186 yards and four scores on 25 carries.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • The report reiterated concerns about seven situations, two of which have been on the list since 2007, including the bureaucracy’s chronic inability to successfully employ information technology — embarrassing for a state that is the global center for digital tools.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The report reiterated concerns about seven situations, two of which have been on the list since 2007, including the bureaucracy’s chronic inability to successfully employ information technology — embarrassing for a state that is the global center for digital tools.
    Dan Walters, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • With the game tied at three in the final minutes, the noise level on the field sounded like multiple 747s were inches away from your ears.
    Mac Engel January 7, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Turns out, those crystal bowls and milk glass dishes—both of which made ample clinking noises—were perfect for alerting grandma that little ones were snagging candy before dinner.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Brandon asked her out the next day, and the pair spent hours talking on a Ferris wheel during their first date.
    Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
  • People with respiratory viruses who have high-risk conditions or who live in households with high-risk individuals should talk to their healthcare professional about taking antiviral medications to treat the virus or prevent transmission.
    Jack Perry, The Providence Journal, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Still, much of the time Froud was content, wandering the set after just learning to walk, unfazed by the elaborate production around him.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
  • That morning, in a new suburb of Glendale, three-year-old Kelly Keen wandered, unattended, out of her house and into the driveway.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rattle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rattle. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on rattle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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