Synonyms

riptide

American

[rip-tahyd] / ˈrɪpˌtaɪd /

noun

a tide that opposes another or other tides, causing a violent disturbance in the sea.

riptide British

/ ˈrɪpˌtaɪd /

noun

Also called: rip. tide-rip. a stretch of turbulent water in the sea, caused by the meeting of currents or abrupt changes in depth
Also called: rip current. a strong current, esp one flowing outwards from the shore, causing disturbance on the surface

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See undertow.

Etymology

Origin of riptide

First recorded in 1860–65; rip ² + tide ¹

Compare meaning

How does riptide compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

riptide vs. rip current

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.

Investors felt a slight reprieve on Friday from the riptide that’s been gathering around artificial intelligence and the stock market.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 14, 2026

To empathize with her is not to presume to understand her; it’s to get caught in the riptide of her mysterious pleasures and pains.

From Salon • Jul. 29, 2025

A preliminary inquest hearing was told there was a "suggestion" a riptide led to the teenagers' deaths.

From BBC • Jul. 14, 2023

She noted that most companies are now bringing out product lines that have been in the works for at least a year, meaning that the Pride riptide may be only just beginning.

From Washington Times • May 29, 2023

I just dived back into the riptide of saving bees.

From "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023