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
Essence, 31 Oct. 2025
In July, some of the research center’s 350 employees held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of a new 10,000-square-foot office building and a new laboratory at the facility.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 31 Oct. 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
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when pink ribbons, charity walks, and fundraising campaigns fill our communities and timelines.
—Essence, 31 Oct. 2025
In July, some of the research center’s 350 employees held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of a new 10,000-square-foot office building and a new laboratory at the facility.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 31 Oct. 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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To layer on even more savory goodness, cook 6 strips of bacon in the skillet for 6 minutes.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 Nov. 2025
-
If desired, peel off a strip around the middle of each potato using a vegetable peeler, leaving ends of potatoes unpeeled.—
Melinda Salchert,
Southern Living,
1 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Nineteen people are confirmed dead in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa tore through the island as a Category 5 hurricane this week -- and that death toll is expected to rise, officials said.—
Emily Shapiro,
ABC News,
31 Oct. 2025
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Hurricane Melissa tore through the Caribbean in recent days, leaving a wake of destruction as some of the region’s poorest countries struggled to cope with the storm.—
Jeronimo Gonzalez,
semafor.com,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Dowdle ripped through those averages by himself, while Hubbard chipped in 17 rushing yards on five carries.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
2 Nov. 2025
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Antetokounmpo grabbed the offensive rebound, but LaVine ripped the ball out of his hands before Antetokounmpo could go up for a putback basket that would have tied the game.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
2 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ribbon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ribbon. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
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