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 Trojans have been on a tear ever since.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

According to the researchers, this may weaken the body's ability to repair oxidative DNA damage, a type of cellular wear and tear that occurs as part of normal metabolism.

From Science Daily • May 30, 2026

The sector has been on a tear since Elon Musk’s company officially filed to go public last week.

From MarketWatch • May 29, 2026

And I think that, as a result, it is beginning to actually tear at the fabric of who we are as Americans.

From Slate • May 26, 2026

A tear falls, and he brushes it away.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy

tear

Example Sentences

Related Words