rift 1 of 2

noun

ˈrift How to pronounce rift (audio)
Definition of riftnext
1
as in fissure
an irregular usually narrow break in a surface created by pressure a small rift opened in the earth's crust

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in gap
an open space in a barrier (as a wall or hedge) it was possible to peek through the rift in the fence and see the ball game

Synonyms & Similar Words

rift

2 of 2

verb

as in to rupture

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Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of rift
Noun
The problem at the heart of their story is that childhood eventually ends, and that causes a rift between the young women. — Parents, 25 Sep. 2026 The duo also translate the musical signals being emitted by the cosmic rift, realizing that a giant space baby is about to be born, and that the energy bursts bombarding both Enterprises are effectively contractions. — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Verb
Rami and Shirley can’t agree on what to do with the baby, which begins to rift their relationships. — Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Sep. 2024 However, the supercontinent began to rift and splinter in the late Triassic about 230 million years ago. — Gabe Allen, Discover Magazine, 15 Sep. 2022 See All Example Sentences for rift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rift
  1. fissure
  2. gap
  3. rupture
  4. crevice
  5. hole
  6. fracture
  7. tear
  8. rend
Noun
  • This fissure triggered one of the 21st century’s bloodiest wars in 2020 when federal forces attempted to wrestle control of the large province of Tigray, leaving up to 600,000 dead by the time a ceasefire deal was signed two years later.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Groundwater steadily rises through fissures in the limestone bedrock, providing the spring with a constant flow of pristine water.
    — Savannah Born, Travel + Leisure, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of fissure
Noun
  • Wages and investment returns Fink tied the career argument to a gap between people who own assets and people who earn wages.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The gap between demos and reality As Balzano explained, humanoid robots are regularly marketed as flexible, general-purpose workers.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of gap
Verb
  • That inflammation can also make existing plaque more likely to rupture and form blood clots.
    — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The impact ruptured his truck’s windshield, covering Peete in glass and injuring his eye, arms and legs.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of rupture
Noun
  • Focus on the undersides of the leaves since aphids often hide out in those crevices.
    — Jane Kim, The Spruce, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Just like crevices in window frames, openings in door and window screens can invite a plethora of pests inside.
    — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of crevice
Noun
  • The average user on both a sportsbook and prediction market loses money, and trying to claw back losses puts users in even deeper financial holes, experts warn.
    — Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Walker split a hole created by Trey Smith and Jaylon Moore on the right side of the line, never broke stride and sprinted 76 yards down the right side to set up the Chiefs’ go-ahead touchdown pass to Thornton in the fourth quarter.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of hole
Verb
  • That incident fractured the real-life Hansen’s image and precipitated the cancellation of the show, as well as a lawsuit that was eventually settled by NBC.
    — Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2026
  • And then around ’98, when William made this decision that fractured the community forever, the well-meaning adults separated the genders.
    — Selome Hailu, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of fracture
Verb
  • The Seahawks pulled away as the second half wore on, scoring three unanswered touchdowns and tearing through the heart of the Chargers’ defense, sometimes scarcely touched.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Hintz, who tore his hamstring in two places last season, was moving gingerly when behind helped off the ice, but returned a few minutes later.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of tear
Verb
  • Two rising stars could land their first Oscar nominations this award season for heart-rending performances.
    — Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Through four series, Spartacus encounters brutal battles, heart-rending betrayals, and more.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of rend

Browse Nearby Words

rifling
rift
rifted
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Cite this Entry

“Rift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rift. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on rift

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rift

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