rat 1 of 2

noun

ˈrat How to pronounce rat (audio)
Definition of ratnext
1
as in informant
a person who provides information about another's wrongdoing the drug mule refused to turn rat without a guarantee of immunity

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in lover
someone who regularly spends time in a particular place on Friday night the mall rats were out in full force

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in bastard
a person whose behavior is offensive to others no one can understand what she finds appealing in a rat like him

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

rat

2 of 2

verb

as in to leak

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 rat
Noun
The constrictor’s favorite cuisine in the wild includes mice, rats and birds, for smaller portions, and deer, wild pigs and even alligators, for a big meal. — Lincoln Anderson, New York Daily News, 22 Aug. 2026 To make the science as simple as possible, a 2018 study found that rats that were fed TPO became infertile among a slew of other health issues. — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 21 Aug. 2026 The opportunistic raccoon tickled many people online, with viewers calling the raccoon a rat in disguise and commenting on the price of hot dogs at the New York City stadium. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026 The sculptures were created with advice from animal behaviorist Michael Parsons, who is fascinated with urban rats. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rat
  1. informant
  2. lover
  3. dog
  4. leak
  5. informer
  6. fan
  7. jerk
  8. talk
Noun
  • Remember those jailhouse informants who claimed Kezer had confessed?
    — Peter Henderson, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Detectives relied on confidential informants to bust the operation – an informant who purchased drugs from Robinson blew the operation open.
    — Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of informant
Noun
  • Her daughter, who is an animal lover, has learned about marine creatures by scuba diving and going on submarine rides on their trips.
    — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Overnight, the foundation became a staple among makeup artists and beauty lovers worldwide, thanks to its second-skin finish and lit-from-within glow.
    — Beth Sobol, Flow Space, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of lover
Noun
  • The local community has also rallied to help the family by delivering meals, caring for their kids and walking their dog.
    — Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Four months later, he was seen last weekend walking dogs, taking walks, enjoying a cup of coffee in a garage, and even stopping to sift through neighborhood trash items on the side of the street.
    — Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of dog
Verb
  • This condition causes the protein albumin to leak into the urine and is a sign of kidney disease.
    — Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Photos have begun to leak off the film set, so some friendly speculation feels in order.
    — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of leak
Noun
  • One of State Security’s main goals, as well as a central source of its strength, is turning civilians into informers.
    — Abraham Jiménez Enoa, The Dial, 19 May 2026
  • And so every regime invests in having student informers.
    — Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2026
Definition of informer
Noun
  • As fans continue to mourn Parton’s death, past interviews are resurfacing.
    — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Announced just last week, fans are already in throes of excitement, with scores of late-night launch events lined up internationally.
    — Kyle MacNeill, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of fan
Noun
  • The latter accidentally does happen, which leads to power struggles between the bigoted jerk and our trio of heroines.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Duffy, for his part, came across as a real jerk at times, but surprisingly charming at others, with a half-nerd, half-jock mien—sweepy hair, big glasses, a megawatt smile—that put me in mind of a Wisconsin Sam Seaborn.
    — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of jerk
Verb
  • Fleming by body camera footage, approached Parker, who was talking on his cellphone.
    — Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Maybe a family watches a favorite performer together, while nearby strangers start talking because someone forgot sunscreen and their friend packed enough for six people.
    — Svetlana Khachiyan, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of talk

Phrases Containing rat

Browse Nearby Words

rassling
rat
ratbag
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Cite this Entry

“Rat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rat. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on rat

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rat

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