rattling 1 of 3

rattling

2 of 3

adverb

rattling

3 of 3

verb

present participle of rattle
1
as in clattering
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 rattling
Adjective
Here a number of the emigrants who arrived late were stowed away on a rattling floor of cane, covered with hides. Gary Kamiya, SFChronicle.com, 2 Oct. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rattling
Adjective
  • By 540 million years ago, the Cambrian explosion was underway — a rapid diversification of life that saw the emergence of complex multicellular organisms, predatory behavior and the foundations of modern ecosystems.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • These abundant growing vegetables (or fruit?) produce at such rapid speeds that planting them too close together is asking for problems, like stunted growth, plant disease, and a smaller harvest.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 30 Mar. 2025
Adverb
  • For one, these tiny particles are extremely difficult to measure.
    Nina Agrawal, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Adan's breakup with Dani left him crushed — but also extremely grateful to have had the relationship at all.
    Jordana Comiter, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • They were spotted smiling, chatting and generally enjoying themselves.
    Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2025
  • And what were Baby Reindeer’s Jessica Gunning and Kate Beckinsale chatting about?
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Warhol is a brisk dip in self-deprecating self-examination.
    Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Monday’s weather for the A’s first home game was unseasonably cool with rain earlier in the day and game-time temperature a brisk 52 degrees with some light wind.
    Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • Peters returns for the Manhattan Theatre Club’s fresh, surprising and very special Broadway production, following its run in Los Angeles.
    Frank Rizzo, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Although such warships occasionally help interdict drugs in international waters, the use of naval assets for domestic border control is very unusual.
    Risa Brooks, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The dream part of it, for him, was the chance to spend 100 minutes talking not very much about his passion project itself, but rather using it as a springboard for an infinitely widespread discussion about about political, economic and social ideals.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 3 Jan. 2025
  • Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more!
    Leonard David, Space.com, 3 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Spend your days absorbing its wartime history, wandering the outdoor markets, dining on seafood, rejuvenating at a spa, or hiking secluded coastal trails before lolling on the white-sand beaches.
    Peggy Orenstein, AFAR Media, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Claire understands where Rachel’s mind is wandering and follows her train of thought.
    Lincee Ray, EW.com, 4 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • As his health faded in the last year of his life, Neruda rushed to finish his story, which gives the last chapters of his book a galloping, fragmented quality.
    Tunku Varadarajan, WSJ, 25 June 2021
  • The artist was in Times Square last week to offer his latest corrective, unveiling a massive bronze statue of a young African American man in urban streetwear sitting astride a galloping horse.
    NBC News, NBC News, 7 Oct. 2019

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Cite this Entry

“Rattling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rattling. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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