Ratlin is a nautical term for a small rope ladder used to climb the rigging of a ship. Although it is specific, there are few synonyms for it that can be used interchangeably. One term that can be used as a synonym for a ratlin is a shroud, which refers to a rope or chain that supports the mast of a ship. Alternatively, a ratline is another word for ratlin and is commonly used by sailors. Some other terms that are related to ratlins include Jacob's ladder, which is a rope ladder used on ships, and the futtock shrouds, which are the ropes on the side of the ship used to climb up its sides.