TEARS Synonyms: 157 Similar and Opposite Words

tears 1 of 2

noun

Definition of tears next

plural of tear

as in slits

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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tears

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of tear

as in rips

to cause (something) to separate into jagged pieces by violently pulling at it angrily tore the letter to shreds

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in yanks

to separate or remove by forceful pulling tore the book from his hand

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

reattaches

as in rushes

to proceed or move quickly she tore out of the room as soon as the phone started to ring

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 tears

Noun

During the show’s second hour, Guthrie went outside to thank the crowd and briefly held back tears. —

Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2026 As immigration officers arrested her six weeks ago, through tears and a rushed goodbye, Maria de Jesus Estrada Juarez had a request for her daughter. —

Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 6 Apr. 2026 Wiseman and Koch could be seen wiping away tears. —

Evan Bush, NBC news, 6 Apr. 2026 Bruce elevated her legs on a life jacket and wiped away the tears while two flight attendants stared down at her with vacant impatience. —

Catherine Lacey, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026 The two later said the criticism reduced them to tears, but—in a brilliant move—Beatrice later auctioned off her famous Philip Treacy fascinator for $75,000 to benefit UNICEF and Children in Crisis. —

Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 5 Apr. 2026 Some wiped away tears as Fayyad named one by one the southern churches, illustrated in the cardboard cutouts next to the pulpit. —

ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026 Standing quietly on the dock, tears on her face, was Shannon. —

Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2026 After knocking in his final putt at the 18th hole, Woodland stretched out his arms, looked up to the sky and exhaled with tears in his eyes. —

Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Mar. 2026

Verb

As the GIs raise their guns, a pudgy hand in the backseat tears a strip of white cloth from his companion’s petticoat for the chauffeur to hang out the window. —

Alice Kaplan, The New York Review of Books, 4 Apr. 2026 If the oyster tears slightly, don’t panic; flavor matters much more than perfection. —

Rai Mincey, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026 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 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 Wielding his powers, Simon tears the cell bars away. —

Jp Mangalindan, Time, 27 Jan. 2026 But this time there were no Luka Doncic tears. —

Brad Townsend, Dallas Morning News, 25 Jan. 2026 This is definitely something that tears at your heartstrings. —

Alexandra Simon, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tears

Noun

The comfy frock is midi-length, features subtle side slits, and is made from a lightweight, stretchy material.

— Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 2 Apr. 2026
Using a sharp knife, cut 2 slits, about 2 inches apart, through fat on edge of each pork chop.

— Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2026