as in tears
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 ribbons
Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Layer ribbons of beets, radishes, carrots, and fennel over a spring mix, and drizzle with the white balsamic vinaigrette.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2026
His collection also includes Lincoln pins, buttons and ribbons from the 1860 campaign.
—Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 9 Mar. 2026
Trailing ribbons, layered ruffles, and insect-wing detailing turned the runway into something closer to spectacle than commerce.
—ABC News, 9 Mar. 2026
In honor of Cameron, many runners chose to wear black ribbons during the race.
—Michelle Edgar, Daily News, 8 Mar. 2026
By Thursday, flowers, candles, photographs and handwritten notes filled the sidewalk, joined by yellow ribbons and wooden crosses bearing victims’ names.
—Staff Photographer, Austin American Statesman, 5 Mar. 2026
The braids are rooted in Indigenous tradition, and the practice evolved over time to include the addition of ribbons during the colonial period.
—Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
After all, every Michaels store already has an enormous selection of vases, ribbons, accent signs, and wrapping paper.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2026
Noun
In the years after 9/11, Oceanside was covered in yellow ribbons meant to support the troops.
—Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Layer ribbons of beets, radishes, carrots, and fennel over a spring mix, and drizzle with the white balsamic vinaigrette.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2026
His collection also includes Lincoln pins, buttons and ribbons from the 1860 campaign.
—Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 9 Mar. 2026
Trailing ribbons, layered ruffles, and insect-wing detailing turned the runway into something closer to spectacle than commerce.
—ABC News, 9 Mar. 2026
In honor of Cameron, many runners chose to wear black ribbons during the race.
—Michelle Edgar, Daily News, 8 Mar. 2026
By Thursday, flowers, candles, photographs and handwritten notes filled the sidewalk, joined by yellow ribbons and wooden crosses bearing victims’ names.
—Staff Photographer, Austin American Statesman, 5 Mar. 2026
The braids are rooted in Indigenous tradition, and the practice evolved over time to include the addition of ribbons during the colonial period.
—Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
After all, every Michaels store already has an enormous selection of vases, ribbons, accent signs, and wrapping paper.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ribbons
Noun
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In a picture posted to the animal control’s Facebook page, two strips of tape can be seen holding down the top of the bin.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
6 Mar. 2026
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Brown said the company will increasingly focus on products that showcase plants, like chickpea sausages or faba bean strips.—
Dee-Ann Durbin,
Fortune,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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If the oyster tears slightly, don’t panic; flavor matters much more than perfection.—
Rai Mincey,
Southern Living,
10 Mar. 2026
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His scientist creator, Victor Frankenstein, reluctantly agrees, but at the last moment tears the unfinished mate limb from limb as the creature watches on in horror.—
Leah Dolan,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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It’s generally accepted that John rips Carolyn’s engagement ring off her finger in the park, and returns it when sitting on the curb.—
Radhika Seth,
Vogue,
27 Feb. 2026
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Costarring Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas and Elle Fanning, the film rips open the emotional wounds that are often left by one's parents.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Pour the soup mixture over the vegetables and continue to cook until the chicken easily shreds with a fork.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
5 Mar. 2026
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This is the kind of corruption that shreds the fabric of a nation.—
Tim Dunn,
Boston Herald,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ribbons.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ribbons. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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