rip 1 of 3

1
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
Sisters Blair Harber, 13, and Brooke Harber, 11, were killed, along with their grandparents, when surging floodwaters ripped through the community. Layla Ferris july 10, CBS News, 10 July 2025 Another survivor, Hallie Thompson, said roaring water from the Guadalupe not far from the tragic events unfolding at Camp Mystic, a summer camp for girls, ripped her home in half as the water level came up to the second floor and then receded just as rapidly. Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 9 July 2025
Noun
That phrase is a holdover from the blog era, when an artist would send a song to a radio DJ, and fans would listen to a low-quality rip on the radio airing while indefinitely waiting for the pristine version to drop on a blog. Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2025 Criteria include the presence of algae, the prevalence of rip tides and the cleanliness of the beach, plus air and water temperatures. Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for rip
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rip
Verb
  • Governor Phil Murphy responded Thursday night to a deadly line of severe thunderstorms that tore through Central New Jersey, killing three people and leaving tens of thousands without power.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
  • The bodies of the doctor, his wife, daughter and son-in-law, arrived at Shifa Hospital torn into pieces, according to Issam Nabhan, head of the nursing department at the Indonesian Hospital.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • Satomi followed her 11-year-old friend to a nearby study room, where — after drawing the curtains — the girl slit Satomi’s throat with a box cutter and kicked her in the head and sides, The Washington Post reported.
    Christine Pelisek, People.com, 15 June 2025
  • Then, the family members would drag their victim to a hidden cellar on the property and slit the victim’s throat, leaving them there to die.
    Sean Neumann, People.com, 1 June 2025
Verb
  • Passengers flying in the United States at certain airports are no longer required to take off their shoes when going through security lines, according to news outlets including CBS News and The New York Times on Monday.
    Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
  • Gunn’s approach is colorful, in both its palette and the costumes; proudly fantastical, with flying orbs, robots, portals, and giant monsters; and at times endearingly, intentionally corny (see: Krypto the super dog).
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • Rivera fired his Taser at Feliz, then got into the car on the passenger’s side and threatened to shoot Rivera as a physical struggle ensued, according to body camera footage, as another officer attempted to yank Feliz out of the vehicle.
    Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 11 July 2025
  • Squirrels love to yank new plants out of the ground.
    Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Here’s how to segment a lemon: Step 1: Peel the lemon: Using a sharp chef’s knife or paring knife, slice the top and bottom from the lemon to reveal the fruit.
    Stephanie Ganz, Southern Living, 7 July 2025
  • The Police Department’s rescue boat sliced across the choppy water toward the Johnstons’ MasterCraft.
    Ethan Wolin Updated July 4, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • Archer’s first delivery, timed at 87.4mph, hurried the left-handed Jaiswal.
    Paul Newman, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • The scene from election night On June 24, the night of the most recent meeting, members hurried into the Picnic House to hear the results of the votes.
    Vanessa Romo, NPR, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • Order fish tacos or fresh salads at Bad Boy Burrito; grab at coffee at Cafe Moka; shop for clothing and gifts at Miss Monroe Boutique; and browse the open-air stalls at boo kee sue Botanics for handmade textiles, ceramics, and more.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
  • Pick up seasonal staples like this breezy maxi dress and these Crocs recovery slides to comfortably beat the heat, or grab year-round closet staples like these classic Levi’s jeans and this timeless button-down shirt by Gap.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Club World Cup gets mammoth final in PSG, Chelsea: The FIFA Club World Cup’s debut as a major 32-team event across the U.S. had its negatives -- notably slashed ticket prices to combat lousy crowds for some matches.
    Greg Cote July 13, Miami Herald, 13 July 2025
  • As empty rows piled up, FIFA slashed prices dramatically — one Chelsea-Fluminense semifinal ticket fell to $13, less than a stadium beer.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rip.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rip. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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