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
Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 24 Sep. 2025
Hang them along a string or ribbon on a wall, bulletin board, or mantel using mini clothespins.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025
Vivian Yee, BostonGlobe.com, 8 Oct. 2022
As the road began to ribbon up and around the southern slope of the mountain, everything subtly shifted.
—Maria Shollenbarger, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2022
See All Example Sentences for ribbon
Noun
Scientists have developed several theories to explain the ribbon signature.
—Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 24 Sep. 2025
Hang them along a string or ribbon on a wall, bulletin board, or mantel using mini clothespins.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
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
As the road began to ribbon up and around the southern slope of the mountain, everything subtly shifted.
—Maria Shollenbarger, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2022
See All Example Sentences for ribbon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ribbon
Noun
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Though Brock Purdy threw over 300 yards in his return from injury, the Jaguars' defense caused five turnovers, including a strip sack that sealed the game in the fourth quarter.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Sep. 2025
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The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry on Monday reported that 50 more people had been killed and 184 injured across the strip in the previous 24 hours.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Aiyuk, who tore his ACL and MCL in Week 7 of last season, isn't close to returning, and Pearsall and Jennings have what appear to be more minor ailments.—
Robert Marvi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
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Driven by Jonny Greenwood’s relentless score, the movie summons not only the images but the psycho-spiritual sensations of a country tearing itself apart.—
Graham Hillard,
The Washington Examiner,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Some of the turnovers have been bad luck, like when SMU ripped a would-be touchdown away from Eric McAlister in the end zone or when Jordan Dwyer bobbled a pass only for it to be intercepted by the Sun Devils.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Sep. 2025
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Replace the stained, ripped, and pilling linens with crisp sets to refresh your bedding and ditch or repurpose the miscellaneous ones in your linen cabinet too.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
28 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ribbon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ribbon. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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