Synonyms of Ribbon include words like band, strip, tape, and sash—each offering a slightly different visual or functional nuance. If you’re describing a decorative piece, a fabric accessory, or an award element, choosing the right synonym can help you capture the right tone and image. For instance, sash suggests elegance and formality, while strip emphasizes shape and simplicity.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most suitable alternatives to “ribbon” and how to use them in different contexts, from fashion and crafts to design and awards.
Expanding your vocabulary with these options allows for more accurate and expressive descriptions in both creative and practical writing.
What Does Ribbon Mean?
A ribbon is commonly:
- A narrow strip of fabric, often used for decoration, tying, or awards.
- A symbol of honor or recognition (e.g., blue ribbon).
- A long, thin line of something, like smoke, light, or road (used metaphorically or visually).
Examples:
- She tied the package with a red ribbon.
- A ribbon of moonlight stretched across the lake.
- He wore a medal with a ribbon on his chest.
It’s visual, delicate, sometimes ceremonial, and often symbolic.
30 Synonyms of Ribbon (With Meaning, Usage, and Examples)
1. Strip
Meaning: A long, narrow piece of material.
Use it when: You’re being literal and general.
- She cut a strip of cloth for the bandage.
- He wore a strip of leather as a belt.
2. Band
Meaning: A flat, narrow piece of material used for binding or decoration.
Use it when: Referring to both fabric and symbolic uses.
- A band of silk circled the hat.
- She wore a band around her wrist.
3. Sash
Meaning: A long decorative strip worn around the waist or over the shoulder.
Use it when: Describing clothing or formal attire.
- She wore a satin sash to match her gown.
- The pageant winner received a royal blue sash.
4. Streamer
Meaning: A long, narrow decoration that flows or hangs down.
Use it when: Talking about parties, parades, or celebrations.
- Colorful streamers hung from the ceiling.
- They threw streamers from the balcony.
5. Tape
Meaning: A narrow length of flexible material, often sticky or binding.
Use it when: Discussing practical or technical use.
- She used a measuring tape to get the dimensions.
- The box was sealed with packing tape.
6. Cord
Meaning: A long, flexible strand or string.
Use it when: Describing sturdier or rounded materials.
- He tied it with a leather cord.
- The medal hung from a braided cord.
7. Lace
Meaning: A delicate, patterned fabric.
Use it when: Adding elegance or femininity.
- A ribbon of lace lined her veil.
- She tied it with a piece of antique lace.
8. Strap
Meaning: A strip of material used to fasten or support.
Use it when: In practical and sturdy contexts.
- The strap of her bag was too short.
- Secure it with a velcro strap.
9. Braid
Meaning: A woven strip of fabric or hair.
Use it when: Referring to something interwoven or decorative.
- She wore her hair in a tight braid.
- Gold braid trimmed the uniform.
10. Swathe
Meaning: A wrap or band of material.
Use it when: You want a poetic or dramatic tone.
- A swathe of silk hung from the curtain rod.
- A swathe of fog wrapped the valley.
11. Garland
Meaning: A decorative wreath or string, often of flowers or fabric.
Use it when: Speaking of ceremonial or festive decor.
- A garland of ribbons decorated the maypole.
- She wore a garland in her hair.
12. Rope
Meaning: A thick, strong cord.
Use it when: Emphasizing strength or utility.
- He coiled the rope neatly.
- A rope of lights lined the path.
13. Tassel
Meaning: A decorative hanging ornament made of threads.
Use it when: You’re highlighting a fancy or ornamental finish.
- The tassel swung from her graduation cap.
- Gold tassels dangled from the ends of the curtain.
14. Fringe
Meaning: A border of hanging threads or strips.
Use it when: Describing texture or detail.
- The fringe on her shawl moved in the breeze.
- A fringe of ribbon added flair to the costume.
15. Tie
Meaning: A piece used for fastening or binding.
Use it when: Function matters more than appearance.
- Use a tie to secure the package.
- She added a ribbon tie to the dress.
16. Bow
Meaning: A decorative knot made from ribbon or string.
Use it when: Highlighting decoration or packaging.
- She tied a big bow on the gift.
- A red bow was pinned to her hair.
17. Veil
Meaning: A light piece of fabric, often sheer or symbolic.
Use it when: Adding mystery or elegance.
- A veil of ribbon covered the bouquet.
- She lifted the veil gently.
18. Line
Meaning: A thin, continuous mark or path.
Use it when: Metaphorically or visually.
- A line of red ribbon trailed down the wall.
- A line of fabric bordered the edge.
19. Tendon
Meaning: A thin, strong string-like structure (often anatomical).
Use it when: Metaphorically in poetry or abstract writing.
- A tendon of color stretched across the sky.
- A tendon of tension held the silence.
20. Twine
Meaning: A strong string or thread twisted together.
Use it when: Talking about rustic or handmade settings.
- The gift was tied with simple twine.
- Twine held the tags on the jars.
21. Ribbonette
Meaning: A small or narrow ribbon.
Use it when: Being specific or technical in crafts.
- She sewed a ribbonette into the lining.
- The doll’s hair was tied with ribbonettes.
22. Tinsel
Meaning: Shiny metallic strips used for decoration.
Use it when: Referring to festive, shimmering decor.
- Tinsel and ribbon sparkled on the tree.
- The costume glimmered with tinsel.
23. Skein
Meaning: A length of yarn or thread wound in a loose coil.
Use it when: Describing thread-like or textile materials.
- A skein of ribbon unraveled on the floor.
- She gathered a skein of colorful threads.
24. Filament
Meaning: A fine, thread-like structure.
Use it when: Speaking scientifically or poetically.
- A filament of light danced on the water.
- Her dress shimmered with filaments of gold.
25. Trail
Meaning: A line or path left behind.
Use it when: Metaphorically describing movement.
- A trail of ribbon followed the dancer.
- The gift left a trail of confetti and ribbon.
26. Wisp
Meaning: A thin, delicate strand.
Use it when: Emphasizing fragility or elegance.
- A wisp of ribbon fluttered in the wind.
- She tied a wisp around the bouquet.
27. Streak
Meaning: A long, thin line.
Use it when: Highlighting speed, color, or light.
- A streak of ribbon marked the path.
- A streak of silver laced through the sky.
28. String
Meaning: A thin cord used for tying or holding.
Use it when: Referring to basic or utilitarian uses.
- The package was bound with string.
- A string of ribbon adorned the chair.
29. Spool
Meaning: A reel or roll of thread or ribbon.
Use it when: Talking about supplies or storage.
- She bought a spool of satin ribbon.
- The spool rolled off the table.
30. Tress
Meaning: A long lock or strand, often of hair.
Use it when: Using poetic or romantic language.
- A tress of ribbon wound through her curls.
- He admired the tress of fabric on her dress.
How to Choose the Right Synonym for Ribbon
Tone and Style
- Elegant or Romantic: Sash, lace, tress, wisp, veil
- Practical or Neutral: Strip, strap, tape, tie
- Festive or Decorative: Streamer, tinsel, bow, garland
Function or Form
- For Binding or Holding: Cord, twine, strap, string
- For Decorative Use: Bow, fringe, tassel, braid
Symbolic or Poetic
- Metaphorical Uses: Swathe, trail, filament, streak, tendon
Conclusion:
While ribbon is commonly used to describe a decorative or functional strip of fabric, synonyms like band, sash, tape, and strip offer versatile alternatives depending on context. Each word brings its tone, whether you’re aiming for elegance, simplicity, or utility.
By understanding these synonyms, you can tailor your language to suit fashion, crafting, design, or ceremonial uses more precisely.
Expanding your vocabulary not only improves clarity but also adds a creative edge to your descriptions.
