Abstract: Nonwoven sheet materials, and adhesive articles formed therefrom are provided that are made with fibers, preferably tensilized nonfracturable staple fibers, and binder fibers, and formed from a combination of interbonding, smooth roll calendering, and pattern embossing techniques. These sheet materials are especially useful as tape backings that are finger tearable in the cross web and the down web directions and also possess a number of other desirable properties, including acceptable tensile strength and enhanced overtaping, for example. A nonwoven sheet material, and adhesive article including the same, can include an embossed pattern having a variety of discontinuous configurations to enhance tearing properties in both the down web and cross web directions.