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
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Recent Examples of ribbon
Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 9 May 2026
The best time to see the Milky Way's core is between midnight and dawn, when the ribbon of interstellar dust, gas and countless stars is at its highest in the night sky.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 8 May 2026
oregonlive, 24 May 2023
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
See All Example Sentences for ribbon
Noun
Tie on a ribbon to any of these, and you’re all set.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 9 May 2026
The best time to see the Milky Way's core is between midnight and dawn, when the ribbon of interstellar dust, gas and countless stars is at its highest in the night sky.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 8 May 2026
Verb
Here’s a peek at the new flavors and some of the ingredients that inspired them: Lemon curd & whey This light and citrusy flavor uses whey as a substitute for lemon juice to make lemon curd that ribbons throughout the ice cream base.
—oregonlive, 24 May 2023
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
See All Example Sentences for ribbon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ribbon
Noun
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Many critics of such wanton cosmic acquisitiveness balk at the idea of scarcely regulated private-sector lunar strip-mining.—
Robin George Andrews,
Scientific American,
14 May 2026
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About noon Larry gunned the Maule — heavily loaded with moose meat — to a heart-stopping takeoff from the makeshift strip.—
Ben East,
Outdoor Life,
14 May 2026
Verb
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Fudd first tore her right ACL and MCL in April 2019 at a USA Basketball event and then tore the same ACL and her medial meniscus during a UConn practice in November 2023.—
Brian Hamilton,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
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Their account is corroborated by another survivor, according to the report, who also spoke about hearing the rapes, as well as others who later saw the bodies of the victims, their clothes torn, legs spread and intimate areas mutilated.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
12 May 2026
Verb
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On May 13, 2011 — 15 years ago to this day — the popular DC show concluded with a fist-pumping final scene where Clark rips open his shirt to display the iconic Superman logo while John Williams' unmistakable score rings like a battle cry.—
Sergio Pereira,
Space.com,
13 May 2026
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Ensure the item is in working condition and not damaged, broken, or ripped.—
Alexandra Kelly,
Martha Stewart,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ribbon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ribbon. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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