Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com

tear up

VERB
raze
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bulldoze demolish destroy dynamite erase extinguish obliterate overthrow scatter smash topple wipe out wreck
STRONG
batter bomb capsize crash decimate delete efface expunge extirpate fell level overturn reduce remove ruin spill subvert total undo unmake upset wrack zap
WEAK
blow down break down cast down mow down pull down rub out scratch out strike out tear down throw down unbuild
Antonyms
STRONGEST
build construct create fix repair restore
STRONG
grow place raise win
VERB
uproot
Synonyms
STRONGEST
annihilate demolish displace eradicate exterminate overthrow overturn wipe out
STRONG
abate abolish deracinate eliminate excavate exile extirpate extract move remove weed
WEAK
blot out dig up do away with pull up root out weed out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
bear build create fix help
STRONG
ratify remain stay welcome
WEAK
plant settle sow
VERB
wreck
Synonyms
STRONGEST
batter decimate demolish destroy devastate impair injure mangle mar ravage raze ruin sabotage shatter sink smash spoil torpedo trash undermine vandalize wrack
STRONG
bash break capsize crash dash dilapidate efface founder scuttle shipwreck strand subvert total
WEAK
crack up do in mess up pile up put out of commission run aground smash up take apart take out wrack up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid assist build construct cure enable fix grow heal help improve mend strengthen
STRONG
obey
WEAK
create repair

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.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said staff were "rightly outraged that management wants to slash pension benefits, tear up local and national agreements and divide the workforce".

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Silver prices have been on a tear, up almost 150% in the last year, with a record high above $82 reached last Sunday.

From Barron's • Jan. 2, 2026

I watched the British TV show “Call the Midwife” and let myself tear up when the baby was delivered and placed in its mother’s waiting arms, after she’d navigated whatever hardships had come her way.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 23, 2025

“Who’s ready to tear up this slip?” state Rep. Mihaela Plesa said Tuesday, ripping the written agreement at the doors to the House chamber.

From Salon • Aug. 20, 2025

I pulled my lips tight against my teeth to try to keep calm and not tear up like a baby.

From "All American Boys" by Jason Reynolds