ragtag

adjective

ˈrag-ˌtag How to pronounce ragtag (audio)
Definition of ragtagnext
1
as in eclectic
consisting of many things of different sorts the team was a ragtag bunch who had only one thing in common: a lack of skill

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in tattered
wearing torn or worn out clothes a ragtag and weary regiment arrived back at headquarters with the latest news from the front

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 ragtag If the AfD doesn’t get an absolute majority in Sunday’s elections, all other parties could form a ragtag coalition to shut it out of power in the state. — Sebastian Shukla, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2026 What to read next Shows like Cowboy Bebop had a ragtag team of underdogs exploring the solar system, instilling lessons about loneliness and existentialism. — George Yang, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026 The redoubtable Israeli army, supposedly capable of fighting off enemies in Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen all at once, has now added to its glory the removal of a ragtag canopy in a daring commando raid. — David Shulman, The New York Review of Books, 26 Aug. 2026 Deep Cut, the ragtag band from previous Splatoon titles, has cobbled together a shantytown at sea, which serves as homebase. — Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ragtag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ragtag
  1. eclectic
  2. tattered
  3. assorted
  4. ragged
  5. varied
  6. mixed
Adjective
  • His eclectic back catalog is more like a pick’n’mix of Swedish candy, filled with syrupy electro-pop and wonky and soulful house.
    — Harry Thorfinn-George, Pitchfork, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Food and drink Café Libre, next to the eclectic and cozy lobby, is a space designed to make guests and visitors feel right at home.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of eclectic
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
Definition of tattered
Adjective
  • Lotte caters, and Yoon reminisces fondly about trays of modeum jeon, assorted fritters and pancakes her family would order each New Year’s.
    — Vanessa Anderson, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
  • For decades, Hollywood actor Danny Trejo’s bread and butter was playing gangsters, prison inmates and other assorted criminals.
    — Corky Siemaszko, NBC news, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of assorted
Adjective
  • On his second lap at Monza, Antonelli went past the ragged edge.
    — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026
  • While a commercial transatlantic flight would have left me feeling tired and ragged, my body barely registered the six-hour journey.
    — Debra Kamin, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of ragged
Adjective
  • Even after the engines are removed, firms are looking for parts as varied as landing gear and antennae to sell.
    — Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026
  • In the ads analyzed by Noticias Telemundo, the form and content indicating it was done with AI varied; there were differences ranging from the text size to the wording.
    — Anagilmara Vílchez, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of varied
Adjective
  • The gallery’s upcoming exhibition of paintings, sculpture and mixed media works by Spanish artist Manolo Valdés brings another perspective to the district; his sculpture is also part of the outdoor environment.
    — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • However, the actual performance for input lag is a little mixed.
    — M. David Stone, PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of mixed

Phrases Containing ragtag

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rags on
ragtag
ragtag and bobtail
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Cite this Entry

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

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