Definition of raggednext
1
as in jagged
having an uneven edge or outline the Rocky Mountains cut an angular, ragged profile against the sky, in contrast to the rounded silhouette of the rolling, green Adirondack Mountains

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2
3
4
as in raggedy
wearing torn or worn-out clothes ragged and hungry refugees emerging from the jungle where they had been in hiding for weeks

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

ragged

2 of 2

verb

past tense of rag

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 ragged
Adjective
Until the late 1970s, when the Sandinistas were still a ragged, left-wing guerrilla movement, the United States provided guns, money and military training to the right-wing political dynasty that ruled Nicaragua with an iron fist. — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026 Dull blades leave tears and ragged ends that cause grass blades to wither and bleach out more quickly. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2026
Verb
On that night in March, to the surprise of nobody, Arsenal ran their mid-table Premier League hosts ragged, beating them 5-1, with Henry and Freddie Ljungberg scoring twice, and Kolo Toure netting the other. — Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 11 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ragged
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ragged
Adjective
  • The latter is more demanding, but might have the best views of those jagged, majestic Dolomites in the region.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Once fished to the brink of extinction globally, sand tiger sharks, that iconic aquarium shark with a jaw of protruding, jagged teeth that only a mother could love, have been increasing in the Boston Harbor over the last decade.
    — Asia London Palomba, Christian Science Monitor, 20 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Victoria Justice dressed up for her Halloween party in a distressed zombie look featuring a tattered black minidress and edgy boots.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • In her translation, where papyri were tattered or a word obscured, Carson indicates this by using brackets and white space.
    — Amy Cannon, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The brand's signature technology combines a retinoid with lactic acid to smooth fine lines, uneven tone, and rough texture, and its AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads take things a step further.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Oct. 2026
  • These accounts often waive monthly fees without a minimum balance and offer larger transaction or cash deposit allowances, since nonprofits may see uneven cash flow tied to grant cycles and fundraising.
    — Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • For example, just recently, Musk publicly scolded the CEO of Delta in a scorching post on X when the airline did not partner with Starlink to provide Wi-Fi on Delta flights.
    — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld and Steven Tian, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
  • But leaders seeking to encourage tourism scolded residents who warned of the danger on social media.
    — Abe Streep, ProPublica, 21 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Investigators described him as a white male in his late 50s, with a scruffy, gray beard who was wearing a faded blue baseball cap.
    — Dan Raby, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The landscape flowed in ridges and mountains of faded yellow and whisper pink, where welwitschia–large, low-lying plants that live to be hundreds of years old–sprawled like relics from a Dune film set.
    — Samantha Falewée, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Their rugged shape acts as a welcome counterpoint, toughening up outfits with a particular cool girl edge.
    — Nuria Luis, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The headline addition is an external lens attachment that extends the camera's optical reach far beyond what standard rugged handsets offer.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Earhart lectured at the school before embarking on her final flight.
    — News Editor, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Luann patiently attempts to explain that the women don’t like being lectured to about their business affairs, only for Vicki to abruptly answer a phone call mid-conversation.
    — Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The Pistons have raced out to a hot start, while the Knicks are still searching for answers after a rough opening week.
    — David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Molcajetes constructed of lava rock with pits creating a rough and not smooth nor easily cleanable surface were in the facility.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ragged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ragged. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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