1
as in tearing
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
Relevance
2
as in slicing
to penetrate with a sharp edge (as a knife)
you can see where someone ripped the painting with a penknife
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in travelling
to proceed or move quickly
the car went ripping down the road
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in yanking
to separate or remove by forceful pulling
rip a sheet off the pad of paper
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 ripping
For many hobbyists, the excitement — and gamble — of ripping packs is the best thing about the collecting experience.
—
Mark Billingsley, Sacbee.com, 13 Oct. 2025
These were easier for ripping open to see the interior and for dipping by hand.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025
The sound of tape ripping and boxes sealing echoed late Wednesday through the New York Yankees’ clubhouse — the soundtrack of another unfinished season.
—Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
But this time, as if God himself had heard our prayers, a reply came ripping down the mountainside to our East, about a mile away.
—Derek Horner, Outdoor Life, 8 Oct. 2025
The inmates escaped by ripping away a toilet and sink unit and climbing through the hole in the wall, according to authorities.
—N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 8 Oct. 2025
Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon was among those furious at the 26-year-old running back, and shortly after the game, a video emerged on social media of Gannon ripping into his tailback for the mistake.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
Dancing With the Stars contestant Robert Irwin left judge Carrie Ann Inaba speechless after ripping of his shirt in the middle off his salsa with partner Witney Carson.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Oct. 2025
The story of the bitter conflict ripping Loving County apart is inseparable from its history, one of hardship, survival, and ties to an unforgiving place that are born deep inside a person’s bones like marrow.
—Mitch Moxley, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2025
Mark Billingsley, Sacbee.com, 13 Oct. 2025
These were easier for ripping open to see the interior and for dipping by hand.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025
The sound of tape ripping and boxes sealing echoed late Wednesday through the New York Yankees’ clubhouse — the soundtrack of another unfinished season.
—Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
But this time, as if God himself had heard our prayers, a reply came ripping down the mountainside to our East, about a mile away.
—Derek Horner, Outdoor Life, 8 Oct. 2025
The inmates escaped by ripping away a toilet and sink unit and climbing through the hole in the wall, according to authorities.
—N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 8 Oct. 2025
Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon was among those furious at the 26-year-old running back, and shortly after the game, a video emerged on social media of Gannon ripping into his tailback for the mistake.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
Dancing With the Stars contestant Robert Irwin left judge Carrie Ann Inaba speechless after ripping of his shirt in the middle off his salsa with partner Witney Carson.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Oct. 2025
The story of the bitter conflict ripping Loving County apart is inseparable from its history, one of hardship, survival, and ties to an unforgiving place that are born deep inside a person’s bones like marrow.
—Mitch Moxley, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ripping
Verb
-
Synthetic chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), commonly used in refrigerants and aerosol cans, were tearing holes in the ozone layer, letting harmful ultraviolet radiation pour through.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Photos of a bulldozer tearing through the wing’s facade went viral on social media this week, sparking criticism from historical societies and some political figures.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Follow the manufacturer's safety guidelines closely to protect your hands while slicing.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 Oct. 2025
-
There were barrel racers slicing turns like poetry, bull riders gripping for glory, and calf ropers moving with the precision of surgeons.—
Essence,
Essence,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In both cases, as the danger was spreading through the waters of the Florida reefs, scientists were busily yanking surviving corals out of the water and saving them in aquariums across the state.—
Alex Harris,
Miami Herald,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Mel Brooks’ best comedy shares many similarities with his other revered films – a strong grip of genre beats, a non-stop barrage of gags yanking us forward, and an eagerness to give every performer a chance to comedically shine.—
Rory Doherty,
Vulture,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
Except for the blood that was rushing away from his body, pouring out from his neck, his throat split open wide as a shark’s mouth.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Chase Brown also helped open up the passing game, rushing for 108 yards on 11 carries.—
Jon Conahan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
These are especially useful for taking public transport, grabbing a quick coffee, or leaving a small tip at a restaurant.—
Asia London Palomba,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Peterson led the way, scoring 26 points — 24 before halftime — and grabbing four rebounds.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Some of this slashing and burning can be explained by the old-fashioned small-government fanaticism of administration personnel like Russell Vought, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget.—
Michelle Goldberg,
Mercury News,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Insurers are slashing networks, hiking deductibles, and pulling out of entire counties.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The Air Force is repeatedly flying heavy bombers near the Venezuelan coast as a show of force, too.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
28 Oct. 2025
-
Over the years, he's developed a reputation for flying vintage airplanes, even after suffering a near-death plane crash that left his right ankle and pelvis shattered and his back broken in March 2015.—
Tommy McArdle,
PEOPLE,
28 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ripping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ripping. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share