rending

Definition of rendingnext
present participle of rend
as in tearing
to cause (something) to separate into jagged pieces by violently pulling at it the prophecy that the disaster would cause people to rend their garments in mourning

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 rending The sagas of Icelanders—plotty, laconic, often heart-rending—constitute one of the oldest literatures in any language still commonly spoken. Literary Hub, 11 Feb. 2026 The subjects say rending but also disquieting things about killing. Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026 There’s also a poem that Anders gave Winslet for Mother’s Day years ago, and which plays a pivotal role in Goodbye June’s heart-rending climax. David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 25 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rending
Verb
  • Then, the new school lost one of its newest players when Kyle Fraser was medically evacuated after tearing his Achilles during the day 3 immunity challenge.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Coach Paul Maurice said captain Aleksander Barkov, who's recovering from tearing the ACL and medial collateral ligament in his right knee during training camp, is not expected back until at least late March.
    CBS News, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • With the bases loaded and one out, Levenson delivered the separator, ripping a two-run line drive into right-center to stretch the lead to 4-0.
    Noah Gulley, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2026
  • The sensation of ripping through six forward gears with the LT4’s stentorian roar echoing off a canyon wall is one of the best in motoring.
    Kyle Hyatt, Robb Report, 5 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rending.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rending. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on rending

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster