as in rips
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rends
Verb
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Fast forward to today, and, somehow, the tremendously rotund AMG GT rips down twisty roads with nearly as much athleticism as fare weighing 2,000-or-more pounds less.—
Peter Nelson,
Forbes.com,
20 Jan. 2026 -
Shanahan rips into defender Before the Seahawks’ second touchdown in the first quarter, the broadcast caught Shanahan ripping into cornerback Renardo Green, who was off the field after Cooper Kupp got behind him in coverage to convert a second-and-20 along the left sideline.—
Chris Biderman,
Sacbee.com,
18 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Wielding his powers, Simon tears the cell bars away.—
JP Mangalindan,
Time,
27 Jan. 2026
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This is definitely something that tears at your heartstrings.—
Alexandra Simon,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Rends.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rends. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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