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

Kim, 29, underwent surgery to repair a small tear in the labrum of his right shoulder in October. —

Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 6 Dec. 2024 Miss Petersen was by then sitting at her desk, her hands grasping the table as if to steady herself and her subtle tears were now pure sorrowful crying. —

Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 27 Nov. 2024

Verb

The rebirth of Notre Dame Cathedral Just five years after a devastating fire tore through historic Notre Dame in Paris, the Gothic cathedral's extraordinary restoration is being unveiled. —

David Morgan, CBS News, 6 Dec. 2024 The 27 Best Christmas Ornaments of 2024 to Bring New Life to Your Tree Make Cardstock Gift Toppers These cut-and-paste cardstock creations can be enjoyed long after the wrapping paper has been torn open. —

Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tear

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tear

Noun

The white dress featured a strapless neckline, delicate draping and a thigh-high slit.

Julia Teti, WWD, 12 Dec. 2024
Her dress donned a high slit that rested just below her waistline, a keyhole cutout and an off-the-shoulder neckline.

Angel Saunders, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024