rattles 1 of 2

Definition of rattlesnext
plural of rattle

rattles

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of rattle
1
as in clatters
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
4

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 rattles
Noun
Most people initially become aware of the reptiles by hearing their rattles, which the snakes use to try to scare off aggressors or to distract prey. Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026 The snakes can, however, lose their rattles or simply decide not to use them. Brianna Taylor, Sacbee.com, 12 Mar. 2026 If your current carry-on rattles, tips, or barely survives a weekend away, consider this your sign. Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 2026 Silver engraving, masks, totem poles, rattles, prints. Kerry Breen, CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025 Cutlery, rattles and cups are among the most popular choices as keepsake gifts for newborns. Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025 Think things like rattles, balls, activity gyms, and more. Kimberly Zapata, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025 The lack of an internal-combustion engine means that any EV manufacturer needs to solve for additional NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness), so RBW went down the rabbit hole chasing creaks and rattles. Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025 No weird rattles or vibrations. Adam Iscoe, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
Verb
In Walker Percy’s novel The Moviegoer, the hero, Binx Bolling, tells us that there is an invisible Geiger counter in his head that rattles loudly whenever a Jew passes by. Adam Kirsch, The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2026 Few characters on the new CBS daytime drama Beyond the Gates stir up quite as much chaos as Hayley Lawson Hamilton—the calculating outsider whose romance with her former best friend’s father rattles the show’s central family. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 17 Mar. 2026 But as Blue Owl’s stumble rattles the industry, its standing in Washington is also getting shakier. Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 12 Mar. 2026 Diesel prices surged to an average of $5 per gallon in metro Atlanta on Wednesday as the ongoing war in the Middle East rattles the global market, the AJC’s Amy Wenk reports. Adam Beam, AJC.com, 12 Mar. 2026 Arteta is making a strong show of maintaining his composure while the noise outside rattles the windows. Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2026 The device, which clamps onto the line just above the hook and pairs zinc and graphite in seawater, creates a small electric field about the size of a beachball around the hook, and rattles approaching sharks. Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026 This ghost rattles industrial hoses and temporarily melds with an air purifier. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026 Continue reading … SOUND OF MADNESS – Mystery hum rattles American city as residents report sleepless nights and rising fear. FOXNews.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rattles
Noun
  • Hearing protection is recommended, especially for young children and those sensitive to loud noises.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2026
  • These noises could have aided with communication, helping the animals sync up for the birthing effort.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Then, a mannequin clatters to the floor from the ceiling and breaks apart.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 20 Nov. 2025
  • Deacon clatters off in his truck, leaving me to contemplate my new home.
    Rowan Jacobsen, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Honey Cooper chats with Professor Nader Gergis before attending his class on Wednesday.
    Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Jarrett frequently appears in her videos, including sit-down Q&A chats the couple films together.
    Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 25 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Kachina rambles for 5 miles but the most vibrant color is found on the first half of the hike.
    Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The residence rambles over more than 14,500 square feet with 13 bedrooms and nine and a half baths.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Their team might need the firmer assessment that challenges pride and even embarrasses, then the next year's group might need a lighter touch.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Maia and her boyfriend Dylan (Josh Hustcherson) are on the outs after Maia completely embarrasses herself at Dylan’s game night with his co-workers.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 21 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Two of the biggest roars of the game came at halftime, incidentally.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Could Jacob Bridgeman hear the roars for Rory McIlroy’s 30-foot make and still finish?
    Brody Miller, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Trump said in on Truth Social that any attacks on Iran's energy infrastructure will be paused until April 6 and that talks with Iran continue.
    Rebecca Shabad, NBC news, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Williams still talks like a young player at the start of his career.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The next morning, Greg wanders across campus in his rumpled suit.
    Erin Qualey, Vulture, 30 Mar. 2026
  • As the pensive Moon wanders into your vocal 3rd house, your mind buzzes with activity.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 27 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rattles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rattles. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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