The word "rat" often invokes negative connotations, as the rodent is typically associated with disease and filth. However, there are several synonyms that can be used instead of "rat" in order to avoid these connotations. Examples include mouse, rodent, vermin, and pest. These words can be used in sentences to describe similar animals without the negative connotations associated with the word "rat". Additionally, using synonyms can help prevent repetition in writing and make descriptions more interesting and varied. Overall, while "rat" may be a common and straightforward term, using synonyms can add depth and nuance to descriptions.