as in to tear
to cause (something) to separate into jagged pieces by violently pulling at it
over the years the historic flag had become badly ribboned by the wind
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 ribbon
Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
The interface uses Microsoft’s familiar ribbon design, allowing quick access to features and customization options.
—Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 1 May 2026
Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Nov. 2022
To make way for the new highways that ribbon through Cairo, leading to the new city, builders razed vast patches of trees in the elegant old neighborhood of Heliopolis.
—Vivian Yee, BostonGlobe.com, 8 Oct. 2022
See All Example Sentences for ribbon
Noun
At the corner of South Drake Avenue and 26th Street, the mural of Jesus beside a tree whose leaves are ribbons, each one representing a different type of cancer, serves as both art and altar.
—Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
The interface uses Microsoft’s familiar ribbon design, allowing quick access to features and customization options.
—Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 1 May 2026
Verb
Introduce the color in small doses: a throw on the couch, ribbon on a wreath, trim around a lampshade, or even gift wrap on the packages.
—Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Nov. 2022
To make way for the new highways that ribbon through Cairo, leading to the new city, builders razed vast patches of trees in the elegant old neighborhood of Heliopolis.
—Vivian Yee, BostonGlobe.com, 8 Oct. 2022
See All Example Sentences for ribbon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ribbon
Noun
-
When a family loses a loved one, the team fills the box with fingerprints, hair locks and heartbeat strips.—
Laura Berrios,
AJC.com,
7 May 2026
-
Stair nosings get a strip of contrasting tone, so the edge stays visible when the hallway is dim.—
Amy Kunst,
Sacbee.com,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
Kancey, 25, tore his pectoral muscle in a Week 2 win at Houston and missed most of last season.—
Rick Stroud,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
-
So when Khalil is killed and his family targeted exactly because of this work, Jimmy is torn by guilt and grief.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Political attack ads abound ahead of the June 2 statewide direct primary election, with competing candidates finding new, creative ways to rip each other apart over their records on immigration, corruption or cashing in on the fossil fuel industry.—
Lorraine Ali,
Los Angeles Times,
6 May 2026
-
The mega-tsunami wreaked havoc across the landscape, stripping forests down to bare rock, ripping trees out by their roots and hurling boulders.—
Ella Nilsen,
CNN Money,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ribbon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ribbon. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
