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Definitions

tear

[teer] / tɪər /
NOUN
rip, cut
Synonyms
STRONGEST
crack hole
STRONG
breach break damage fissure gash imperfection laceration mutilation rent run rupture scratch split tatter
NOUN
wild action
Synonyms
STRONG
bender binge bust carousal carouse drunk spree wassail
VERB
cut, rip an object
Synonyms
STRONGEST
break crack damage divide grab injure mangle pull rive rupture separate sever shred slash snatch split wrench yank
STRONG
claw cleave extract fray frazzle gash impair incise jigsaw lacerate mutilate pluck rend ribbon rift run scratch seize slit sunder wrest
WEAK
evulse pull apart
Antonyms
STRONGEST
attach combine fix join mend sew unite
STRONG
insert
VERB
move very fast
Synonyms
STRONGEST
chase fling rush shoot
STRONG
boil bolt career charge course dart dash fly gallop hurry lash race run speed spring zoom
Antonyms
STRONG
dawdle delay halt slow stay wait walk
WEAK
idle

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The band joked they had snuck in a vial of their own tears to promote their single A Tear in Space, and pretended to hide them in the capsule.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Tear has headed the company since late 2019.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 7, 2026

Tear gas fired during demonstrations in Tehran accidentally drifted towards a hospital but did not target it deliberately, Iranian media reported late Tuesday.

From Barron's • Jan. 7, 2026

Tear them into rustic chunks and toast lightly in butter until the edges crisp and scent curls through the kitchen.

From Salon • Nov. 27, 2025

Tear at the toughness Jasmine had built up over the school year.

From "Look Both Ways" by Jason Reynolds