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

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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 More notable still, perhaps, is the fact that calling for the release of the Epstein files has seemed to cut across the myriad divisions rending the Democratic Party. Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026 Guthrie’s willingness to take part in an interview with a visibly emotional Kotb was heart-rending. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 3 Apr. 2026 The emotional tribute paid homage to some of the most heart-rending high-profile deaths of the past year, including Diane Keaton, Robert Redford, and Rob Reiner, each of whom received their own dedicated homage. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Mar. 2026 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 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
  • Correa was an outsized contributor to that, posting the third-highest OPS-plus among Astros regulars prior to tearing a tendon in his ankle taking a swing in the batting cage.
    Matt Kawahara, Houston Chronicle, 7 May 2026
  • Law enforcement should focus on serious criminal activity, not tearing families apart.
    Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • Because our state refused to cooperate with the military-style deportations that are ripping families apart across California.
    Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
  • But Bellinger snapped out of it Friday, ripping two doubles in the Yankees’ win over the Orioles.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 2 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rending.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rending. Accessed 11 May. 2026.

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