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.

I tear up every time I talk about it; I’m getting choked up just writing about it.

From Slate • Jun. 14, 2026

If it touches the 10 million ceiling, Bern would be constitutionally required to tear up its free-movement agreement with the European Union, risking access to a market that absorbs over half of Swiss exports.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

Love my guy to death and can’t wait to see him tear up the league.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

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

I began gathering up my things slowly, trying to block the anger that filled me, for fear my eyes would tear up.

From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer

tear up

Example Sentences

Related Words