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Definitions

tearing

[teer-ing] / ˈtɪər ɪŋ /
ADJECTIVE
agonizing
Synonyms
STRONGEST
excruciating harrowing intense tortuous
STRONG
disturbing heart-wrenching racking struggling tormenting torturing
WEAK
extreme fierce vehement violent
Antonyms
STRONGEST
pleasant pleasing
ADJECTIVE
breaking
Synonyms
STRONG
collapsing cracking crumbling fracturing shattering smashing splintering splitting
Antonyms
WEAK
enduring strong
ADJECTIVE
excruciating
Synonyms
STRONGEST
acute agonizing exquisite grueling harrowing intense searing severe unbearable
STRONG
burning chastening consuming piercing punishing racking rending shooting stabbing tormenting torturing
WEAK
extreme insufferable sharp torturesome unendurable violent
Antonyms
STRONGEST
calm dull easy facile mild
WEAK
bearable endurable helpful pleasant pleasing soothing
ADJECTIVE
harrowing
Synonyms
STRONGEST
agonizing chilling distressing disturbing excruciating heart-wrenching heartbreaking painful terrifying torturous traumatic
STRONG
alarming racking soaring tormenting torturing
WEAK
heart-rending nerve-racking
Antonyms
STRONGEST
pleasant
WEAK
calming pleasing unfrightening
ADJECTIVE
racing
Synonyms
STRONG
darting dashing fast flying galloping hastening hurrying running rushing sailing swift whisking whizzing zooming
WEAK
speedy
Antonyms
STRONG
slow
WEAK
crawling creeping
ADJECTIVE
tormenting
Synonyms
STRONG
agonizing anguishing distressing disturbing excruciating harrowing heart-wrenching racking struggling suffering torturing
WEAK
extreme fierce intense tortuous torturous vehement violent
Antonyms
STRONG
pleasant pleasing
NOUN
racing
Synonyms
STRONG
competing contest darting dashing flying galloping hurrying running rushing sailing sport sporting sprinting track trotting whizzing

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.

Heirs who inherit property are incentivized to leave homes standing, since tearing them down comes with a higher tax bill.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

"These are our children, these are our warriors, they defended us," said Olga, 55, tearing up.

From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026

"Even now we can't play certain songs without tearing up thinking of Joe. He had so much integrity and feeling about the music."

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

But simply tearing down a statue or tearing down an empty building doesn’t change this underlying system.

From Salon • Mar. 6, 2026

Yedsha pulled Anya back as the horse reared, tearing Sigurd off balance.

From Anya and the Dragon by Sofiya Pasternack