rat
19 synonyms for rat, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A rodent similar to a mouse but larger, often considered a pest.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A rodent similar to a mouse but larger, often considered a pest.
“The cat caught a rat in the shed behind the house.”
How to use rat
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
rat on someone
rat race
smell a rat
Etymology
From Old English ræt, of uncertain deeper origin, related to similar words across Germanic languages.
Full origin of rat →Frequently asked questions
What does “rat” mean?
The word “rat” means a rodent similar to a mouse but larger, often considered a pest. In plain terms, the rodent, or (informally) to snitch on someone.
How do you pronounce “rat”?
“Rat” is pronounced rat (/ɹæt/ in IPA).
How do you use “rat” in a sentence?
Here is “rat” used in a sentence: “A rat scurried along the subway tracks.”
What is another word for “rat”?
Words with a similar meaning to “rat” include tell on, to finger, put the finger on and bewray.
What part of speech is “rat”?
Depending on how it is used, “rat” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “rat” come from?
The word “rat” comes from Old English. From Old English ræt, of uncertain deeper origin, related to similar words across Germanic languages.
Is “rat” a common word?
“Rat” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “rat” have?
“Rat” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a rodent similar to a mouse but larger, often considered a pest.
What is the difference between a rat and a mouse?
Both are rodents, but a rat is generally larger than a mouse, with a longer body, a bigger head, and a thicker tail. Both are often regarded as pests, but they are distinct animals.
Why is calling someone a rat an insult?
Calling someone a rat labels them a betrayer or informer who cannot be trusted, drawing on the rodent's reputation as a pest. It is a strongly negative, informal insult.
