Synonyms for

Rattle

Verb / ˈrætʌl / Another word for rattle — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To make a rapid succession of short sharp noises.

Synonyms & similar words

rattling rale clatter jingle clang chatter racket tinkle clink noise banging patter thud thump clap rumble bang knock tap beat whir whiz

Synonyms by register

Formal

clatter jangle resonate

Informal

shake rattle around rattle off

Literary

chime clank

Antonyms

calm quiet still silence peace serene

Common collocations

  • baby rattle
  • snake rattle
  • rattle off
  • rattle the cage
  • rattle the bars
  • rattle its chains
  • rattle off a list

Word family

noun rattle
verb rattle
adjective rattly

Usage note

As a verb, 'rattle' can mean to make a noise or to disturb someone. As a noun, it refers to the noise itself or an object that makes noise, like a baby's rattle.

Example sentences

  1. The rattle of the train kept me awake.
  2. She shook the rattle to entertain the baby.
  3. I heard a loud rattle coming from the engine.
  4. The windows rattled in the wind.
  5. I felt a rattle in my chest when I coughed.

Quotes

  • Rattles and chains are better than nothing.
  • I am a rattle, not a clatter, because I am empty.
  • The rattle of dice is music to the ear.

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words