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Definitions

riven

[riv-uhn] / ˈrɪv ən /
ADJECTIVE
broken
Synonyms
STRONGEST
busted collapsed cracked crumbled crushed damaged defective demolished destroyed fractured fragmented injured mangled mutilated ruptured severed shattered smashed splintered
STRONG
burst disintegrated dismembered pulverized rent separated shivered shredded slivered split
WEAK
fragmentary in pieces
Antonyms
STRONGEST
repaired unbroken
STRONG
mended patched up restored
WEAK
complete fixed perfect whole
ADJECTIVE
cleft
Synonyms
STRONG
broken cloven cracked crenelated parted perforated pierced rent ruptured separated sundered torn
WEAK
crannied
Antonyms
STRONG
connected fixed whole
WEAK
joined joint united

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 new lineup would likely reflect his priorities, including military modernization and tightening supervision of an officer corps long riven with patronage networks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 8, 2026

The Southeast Asian nation of some 50 million is riven by civil war and there will be no voting in rebel-held areas.

From Barron's • Dec. 27, 2025

Long before Nancy's arrival, the club was riven with disharmony.

From BBC • Dec. 11, 2025

The question he posed has riven the judicial system, splitting district judges from appellate panels and the Pacific Coast from the Midwest.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 22, 2025

While some areas and some periods of time may have enjoyed peace and tranquillity, others were riven by ferocious conflicts.

From "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari