Definitions

tear apart

VERB

abuse

Synonyms

STRONGEST

insult offend persecute revile

STRONG

backbite bash belittle berate calumniate cap castigate decry defame derogate discount knock minimize nag oppress reproach ride scold signify slam slap smear sound trash upbraid vilify vituperate zing

WEAK

bad-mouth blow off cuss out cut down cut to the quick do a number on dump on give a black eye hurl brickbat pick on put down rag on rip up run down sling mud swear at

Antonyms

STRONGEST

compliment

STRONG

approve exalt flatter laud praise

WEAK

acclaim adulate benefit care for cherish commend defend esteem help honor preserve prize protect respect revere treasure

VERB

burst

Synonyms

STRONGEST

blow break crack detonate disintegrate erupt explode pop rupture rush shatter

STRONG

discharge fracture fragment perforate pierce prick puncture run shiver splinter split spout

WEAK

fly open gush forth rend asunder

Antonyms

STRONGEST

join

STRONG

combine

VERB

censure

Synonyms

STRONGEST

admonish berate castigate chastise chide denounce discipline rebuff rebuke reprimand reproach scold

STRONG

abuse animadvert asperse attack backbite blame cavil contemn denigrate deprecate disapprove disparage impugn incriminate judge knock lecture ostracize remonstrate reprehend reprove upbraid

WEAK

carp at cut up exprobate find fault with get after look askance pick apart pull apart read out take to task tell off

Antonyms

STRONGEST

approve commend compliment flatter forgive laud praise

STRONG

agree cherish defend endorse protect sanction

WEAK

allow permit

VERB

rebuke

Synonyms

STRONGEST

admonish berate castigate censure chide go after oppose reprimand reproach scold upbraid

STRONG

blame fry give a talking-to jawbone lecture lesson monish pay rake read reprehend reprove rip zap

WEAK

bawl out call on the carpet carp on chew out climb all over dress down jump down one's throat jump on lay into lean on sit on sound off take to task tell off tick off

Antonyms

STRONGEST

approve compliment flatter laud praise

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 two proceeded to tear apart each other’s personal and professional lives.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 15, 2025

Teams just cannot cope with their pace, passing and pressing - and they continue to tear apart any team in their way.

From BBC • Jul. 9, 2025

So this feature could tear apart families is what you’re saying?

From New York Times • Jun. 14, 2024

Egypt warned Israel and the U.S. that any military operations in the zone “could tear apart our peace,” a second Egyptian official said.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 25, 2024

To disavow their faith, the Mexica say, would tear apart their lives.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

tear apart

Example Sentences

Related Words