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
While speaking on the postgame broadcast following the Yankees' Game 4 loss to the Blue Jays, Yankees legend Alex Rodriguez ripped the front office, yet defended manager Aaron Boone. Shaun McAvoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025 Jennifer Acree read a range of emotions across several of her group chats as texts spread that a man was arrested on suspicion of igniting the deadly Palisades Fire that ripped through the Los Angeles area earlier this year. Terry Collins, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
Grade the episode below, then let ‘er rip in the comments! Nick Caruso, TVLine, 25 Sep. 2025 The actor was photographed out and about in New York in a pair of low-rise, super light wash blue baggy jeans that featured one confident rip on the knee. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rip
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rip
Verb
  • Eddie is happy to sit in the corner with Shane, sucking on his new veneers, and let the women tear each other to shreds, never getting involved.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025
  • As the #MeToo movement enters a tumultuous new era, experts seem torn about what Combs' case changed − if anything.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Someone slit his throat and bashed him over the head in Skulls Rainbow Room, which sits in Printers Alley, one of the most popular destinations in Nashville.
    Keith Sharon, Nashville Tennessean, 7 Oct. 2025
  • When Rochelle Luna, 18, arrived at the house hours later, Djerf bound, gagged and raped her before stabbing her and slitting her throat, court records said.
    Elena Santa Cruz, AZCentral.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The 2023 Texas Rangers lost here on the final day of the regular season, which forced them to fly across the country and start the playoffs on the road against the Tampa Bay Rays.
    Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Following a medical evaluation, Alaska Airlines said its crew was cleared to fly, and the aircraft continued on after a 90-minute delay.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The batarangs could hit long-range targets, while the bat-claw brought far-away enemies to Batman and could yank obstacles off walls.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Lockheed Martin subsidiary Sikorsky has taken the next logical step in making a Black Hawk helicopter autonomous by not only installing the gear needed for self-flying, but by yanking out the entire cockpit and replacing it with cargo doors.
    David Szondy October 13, New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The sophomore slipped past a tackler, then took off for a 51-yard touchdown reception to slice the deficit to 16-13.
    Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours and slice about half-inch thick.
    Kathryn Gregory, Louisville Courier Journal, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Duane heard the shooting and hurried around to help.
    Marguerite Reiss, Outdoor Life, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Below are the standout Crocs deals worth adding to your cart right now, but hurry before your shoe size sells out.
    Jenifer Calle, Glamour, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In grabbing McNeeley in the same class as Knueppel, Sion James and Ryan Kalkbrenner, Charlotte wanted to infuse its roster with youthful players boasting an old school mentality.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2025
  • If her vibe is all about being cute yet comfy, grab the matching shorts for extra brownie points.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Milei has slashed government spending, cut regulations and fired tens of thousands of public-sector workers since taking office in 2023.
    Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025
  • But the power play struck gold in the second period, starting with Zach Bogosian drawing a slashing minor.
    Michael Russo, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rip.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rip. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

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