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
Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2026
Bright green asparagus ribbons enliven a crunchy crostini base with the help of fresh herbs and a smear of cheesy ricotta mixture.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2026
After residents learned about her favorite color, the yellow ribbons that had initially been affixed to utility poles and car antennas were replaced with purple ones.
—Monroe Trombly, Louisville Courier Journal, 27 Feb. 2026
The four styles include the $80 LoveShackFancy Classic Ballet in Pastel, a feminine silhouette with satin ribbons that can be attached to the shoe rivets and wrap around the ankle to mirror the quintessential ballerina look.
—Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 27 Feb. 2026
Aesthetically, the kit has an unusual pattern of interlocking pastel ribbons.
—Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2026
Flying into Nepal is something more and more travelers are doing as parts of the region open up to tourism and exciting new hotels like the Shinta Mani Mustang cut their ribbons, offering luxe abodes where intrepid trekkers can rest in comfort.
—Karina Acharya, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Feb. 2026
Last week, cohosts Kotb, Melvin, Carson Daly, and Al Roker all wore yellow ribbons, adopting the practice of Nancy's neighbors in her Catalina Foothills neighborhood of Tucson.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Feb. 2026
Meanwhile, the tribute to Nancy Guthrie outside her home keeps growing, with flowers, yellow ribbons, crosses, prayers and patron saints for older adults and in desperate situations.
—Jacques Billeaud, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
Noun
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
Bright green asparagus ribbons enliven a crunchy crostini base with the help of fresh herbs and a smear of cheesy ricotta mixture.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2026
After residents learned about her favorite color, the yellow ribbons that had initially been affixed to utility poles and car antennas were replaced with purple ones.
—Monroe Trombly, Louisville Courier Journal, 27 Feb. 2026
The four styles include the $80 LoveShackFancy Classic Ballet in Pastel, a feminine silhouette with satin ribbons that can be attached to the shoe rivets and wrap around the ankle to mirror the quintessential ballerina look.
—Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 27 Feb. 2026
Aesthetically, the kit has an unusual pattern of interlocking pastel ribbons.
—Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2026
Flying into Nepal is something more and more travelers are doing as parts of the region open up to tourism and exciting new hotels like the Shinta Mani Mustang cut their ribbons, offering luxe abodes where intrepid trekkers can rest in comfort.
—Karina Acharya, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Feb. 2026
Last week, cohosts Kotb, Melvin, Carson Daly, and Al Roker all wore yellow ribbons, adopting the practice of Nancy's neighbors in her Catalina Foothills neighborhood of Tucson.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Feb. 2026
Meanwhile, the tribute to Nancy Guthrie outside her home keeps growing, with flowers, yellow ribbons, crosses, prayers and patron saints for older adults and in desperate situations.
—Jacques Billeaud, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 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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Under her watch, Americans have been murdered in cold blood, DHS has obstructed lawful congressional oversight, dismissed credible reports of abuse, carried out an extreme agenda that tears families apart and destabilizes communities.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Catherine uplifted us in a world that often tears us down.—
Andrew Gelwicks,
Vogue,
3 Feb. 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 11 Mar. 2026.
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