tear 1 of 2

as in slit
a long deep cut repaired a tear in the theater curtain just before the start of the show

Synonyms & Similar Words

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tear

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word tear different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of tear are cleave, rend, rip, rive, and split. While all these words mean "to separate forcibly," tear implies pulling apart by force and leaving jagged edges.

tear up the letter

When could cleave be used to replace tear?

In some situations, the words cleave and tear are roughly equivalent. However, cleave implies very forceful splitting or cutting with a blow.

a bolt of lightning cleaved the giant oak

When can rend be used instead of tear?

While in some cases nearly identical to tear, rend implies very violent or ruthless severing or sundering.

an angry mob rent the prisoner's clothes

In what contexts can rip take the place of tear?

The meanings of rip and tear largely overlap; however, rip implies a pulling apart in one rapid uninterrupted motion often along a line or joint.

ripped the shirt on a nail

When is rive a more appropriate choice than tear?

The words rive and tear can be used in similar contexts, but rive occurs most often in figurative use.

a political party riven by conflict

When would split be a good substitute for tear?

The words split and tear are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, split implies a cutting or breaking apart in a continuous, straight, and usually lengthwise direction or in the direction of grain or layers.

split logs for firewood

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of tear
Noun
Although the tear was remedied, the fix-up can be seen in professional photos taken of Delevingne at the event. Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025 Her husband and young son joined her onstage in a tender surprise that brought many in the crowd to tears. Okla Jones, Essence, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
Former Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Richie Incognito tore into head coach Mike McDaniel and quarterback Tua Tagovialoa amid a putrid start to the 2025 season. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025 Indigo stands at the crossroads of a denim industry torn between preserving its heritage and embracing the future. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tear
Noun
  • This casual long-sleeve sweater dress features a playful V-neck and cute, subtle slits on the sides of the bottom hem.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 30 Oct. 2025
  • The high-neck dress features cut-out sections around the torso and a thigh-high slit on one side.
    Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Congressional Democrats have been eagerly drawing that contrast in recent days, ripping Trump for going abroad amid a crisis at home.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Heard blitzed off the edge and arrived at running back Jamal Roberts at the same time as the ball, ripping it away for a turnover at midfield that led to the game-winning drive, capped by Pavia’s short touchdown run.
    Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • McDaniel even yanked Tagovailoa in favor of rookie Quinn Ewers after his third pick.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Mel Brooks’ best comedy shares many similarities with his other revered films – a strong grip of genre beats, a non-stop barrage of gags yanking us forward, and an eagerness to give every performer a chance to comedically shine.
    Rory Doherty, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Many labs today are using AI to speed up the drug discovery process, and make more bets.
    Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Aligning with the global trend To help speed up deployment and reduce upfront capital risk for its customers, Honeywell offers the Biocrude Upgrading technology as prefabricated modular plants.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Kunin returns after being a healthy scratch for the game against the Golden Knights.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Save as a collection on MyRecipes Made-from-scratch recipes are always great for sharing at the Church potluck, welcoming a new baby, or greeting new neighbors to the block.
    Emma Ashe, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Asian restaurant joins what has become an increasingly attractive section of Meridian for grabbing food.
    Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 27 Oct. 2025
  • The Clinton years and the 1990s, defined by continuous domestic economic growth and headline-grabbing scandals, were a time when liberal idealism was so strong that Aaron Sorkin wrote a show about it.
    Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Then, Olivia scurried off into an enclave off the side stage as Dylan and Daniella punched up into a high-octane, athletic routine.
    Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Two small children scurried out behind her.
    Jesse Hyde, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Yet, the company announced capital investments would increase by $10 billion this year, a common theme as tech companies race to scale AI infrastructure.
    Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
  • The trial would address 23XI and Front Row’s contention that NASCAR uses monopoly power to suppress competition in its procurement of services provided by racing teams.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tear. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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