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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 surgery has long been based on the idea that knee pain, especially on the inner side, is caused by a meniscus tear that can be fixed surgically.

From Science Daily • May 6, 2026

More broadly, memory and data storage stocks have been on a tear as the AI boom has triggered a surge in demand.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

Collins said that after he was shot, agents began deploying tear gas, which further irritated his throat and eyes.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

Mary Kay Smith, who had been wearing the eggplant costume, said she wanted someone to tear the system down.

From Slate • May 4, 2026

I also promised myself to not tear out any pages.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam