TEAR Synonyms: 158 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

tear 1 of 2

noun

ˈter

Definition of tear next

as in slit

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

tear

2 of 2

verb

ˈter

as in to rip

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to yank

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

reattach

as in to speed

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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

The Emmy-winning series capped off its 12th season Wednesday night with a festive segment complete with tears, celebrity family cameos and a historic victory that shocked the live crowd and competitors alike. —

Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024 When Jill added that her mother wasn’t saying much, Lana burst into tears. —

Bridget Read, Curbed, 18 Dec. 2024

Verb

Lives 'torn apart':Grieving Wisconsin community struggles to make sense of shooting Abundant Life Christian School victims honored in vigil Throughout Madison, churches and nightly vigils have been filled with people grieving and processing the city's second school shooting in less than a year. —

Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2024 What if the wrapping paper is torn—or worse, the gift breaks? —

Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tear

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tear

Noun

Using a paring knife, make a slit (or push open the existing slit) down the length of each date and carefully pry open the sides without tearing the date.

Kelly Brant, arkansasonline.com, 24 Dec. 2024
The third photo showed Hudson and Belichick on the carpet with the former sports coach wearing a classic black tux while Hudson rocked a black off-the-shoulder gown with high slit.

Raven Brunner, People.com, 23 Dec. 2024