variants
also rived
1
as in disrupted
to cause to separate into pieces usually suddenly or forcibly
road pavement that had been riven by the annual freeze-and-thaw cycle
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in torn
to cause (something) to separate into jagged pieces by violently pulling at it
the bitter disappointment threatened to rive my heart in two
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of riven
Despite outward shows of unity, Cuba’s Communist Party is riven with factions that are frequently reported to be at odds.
—
Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
In a country riven by deep inequalities, however, opportunity for some came at a loss for others.
—Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025
The result, according to experts, are many city governments riven by workplace tension.
—Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 14 Sep. 2025
Written in the flush of a new friendship with co-producer, engineer, and musician Sam Weber, the album unspools a suite of folk miniatures riven with discursive melodies as evocative as the cultural ephemera dotted through the lyrics.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for riven
Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
In a country riven by deep inequalities, however, opportunity for some came at a loss for others.
—Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025
The result, according to experts, are many city governments riven by workplace tension.
—Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 14 Sep. 2025
Written in the flush of a new friendship with co-producer, engineer, and musician Sam Weber, the album unspools a suite of folk miniatures riven with discursive melodies as evocative as the cultural ephemera dotted through the lyrics.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for riven
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riven
Verb
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The Lakers disrupted alley-oop attempts to Castle and Luke Kornet in the opening minutes.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
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During a three-game losing streak that began with a loss to Arkansas State, Arkansas has been turnover prone and seen its dribble-drive offense disrupted.—
Ethan Westerman,
Arkansas Online,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The 89-minute running time doesn’t allow much exposition, and in fact the opening sequence shows a veterinarian coming to treat a sickly Ben before having his face viciously torn off.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
8 Jan. 2026
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While nothing was broken or torn as a result of the hit, the contusion to his quad muscle was so severe that Hunt couldn’t walk for the next two weeks.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Knapton’s garage had been broken into twice before, with dirt-bikes stolen, Lustig said.—
Darcie Moran,
Freep.com,
7 Nov. 2025
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In this scenario, both satellites would be broken into thousands of pieces of space debris.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Midway through the third quarter, true freshman linebacker Mason Posa, buried on the depth chart just weeks ago, ripped the ball loose at Washington’s 7-yard line and fell on it himself.—
Ira Gorawara,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
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As a result of that low demand and a massive decline in sales, producers in the Golden State have ripped out nearly 40,000 acres of vines over the past year, according to a new report from the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG).—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Remnant Protocol takes place in a galaxy fractured by civil war after the leader of a sprawling empire, the Blessed Mother, was assassinated.—
Alan Bradley,
Space.com,
5 Jan. 2026
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Capo was also linked to the killing of acting boss John D’Amato in the early 1990s, an internal execution driven by power struggles and rumors that further fractured the family’s already fragile code of loyalty.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
3 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Riven.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riven. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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