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Definition of ripnext
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as in to tear
to cause (something) to separate into jagged pieces by violently pulling at it the dog ripped the sleeve of my shirt by grabbing it with his teeth

Synonyms & Similar Words

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rip

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noun (1)

rip

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noun (2)

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of rip are cleave, rend, rive, split, and tear. While all these words mean "to separate forcibly," rip implies a pulling apart in one rapid uninterrupted motion often along a line or joint.

ripped the shirt on a nail

When might cleave be a better fit than rip?

The synonyms cleave and rip are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 rip?

While the synonyms rend and rip are close in meaning, rend implies very violent or ruthless severing or sundering.

an angry mob rent the prisoner's clothes

When could rive be used to replace rip?

Although the words rive and rip have much in common, rive occurs most often in figurative use.

a political party riven by conflict

In what contexts can split take the place of rip?

While in some cases nearly identical to rip, 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

Where would tear be a reasonable alternative to rip?

In some situations, the words tear and rip are roughly equivalent. However, tear implies pulling apart by force and leaving jagged edges.

tear up the letter

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 rip
Verb
During his tour, a solar flare causes an electromagnetic disturbance that rips through the systems of civilization and into the data center. Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026 No copper wire to rip out meant no copper wire standing in the way. David Mainiero, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Noun
Old bath, hand, or face towels with rips, tears, or stains that won’t budge can be repurposed for cleaning, drying the dog after a muddy walk, or even donated to a local animal shelter. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 June 2026 Heavy equipment crews were digging up rip-rap boulders from under the sand to use in the operation. John Ramos, CBS News, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for rip
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rip
Verb
  • Shakespeare’s haughty Roman war hero, revered on the battlefield yet reviled by hungry plebeians, becomes the flash point in a young democracy tearing itself apart over power and sacrifice.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • That tactic may situate this work within a lineage that includes Jacques Villeglé and Mimmo Rotella, artists who used swiped, torn ads during the postwar era.
    Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • They’re designed with a sleek flat front, a mid-rise elastic waistband, a slightly loose leg opening, and small side slits for a comfortable, relaxed fit.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 4 June 2026
  • Before police took him into custody, Tran slit his wrists, cut his neck and poked the blade into his stomach, but all of the wounds were superficial.
    Sean Emery, Oc Register, 1 June 2026
Verb
  • Adeline André will close out the official calendar in Paris, on Thursday at 4pm, while a number of attendees will fly to Rome for the Fendi show that evening at the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea.
    Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 6 July 2026
  • Norway and Brazil were locked in a tense, back-and-forth game Sunday, in the round of 16, until Haaland came flying in with that header to give Norway a 1-0 lead.
    Tim Rohan, NBC news, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • Then, five days after the best start of his young MLB career coincided with one of his worst moments, he was yanked after just 2 1/3 innings in Sunday’s 11-5 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
    Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • Winco also yanked about 13,500 Roman Candles 8 Shot 3-Pack Firework Devices.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Nora Ephron for depressed perverts.
    Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 16 Feb. 2026
  • You are being spied on by a pervert.
    Jay Ruttenberg, New Yorker, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Thinly slice the tomatoes themselves for the red addition to the salad, and use the oil for the salad dressing — no need to pull out a bottle of olive oil.
    Kate Williams, AJC.com, 29 June 2026
  • Warm scacciata, a traditional Sicilian bread, is presented whole and sliced warm to order.
    Kate Dingwall, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Locals and tourists hurried around the pavilions showcasing the best of each state and territory.
    Rob Crilly, The Washington Examiner, 30 June 2026
  • But hurry, — the popular shade is selling out fast.
    Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Video of the incident showed the professor grabbing and twisting the arm of the pro-Palestinian student.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • As police tried to handcuff Sever, the Westmoreland County District Attorney's Office said Sever swung at troopers and forcefully grabbed at a trooper's duty weapon, which was secured in a holster.
    Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rip.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rip. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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