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

Related Words

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 alleged rift between King Charles and Prince William continues to widen. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 24 Aug. 2026 The economies remain intertwined, with the Gordie Howe International Bridge between Detroit and Windsor officially opening just days before the latest rift. — Diane Brady, Fortune, 24 Aug. 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
  • On a historic square in Savannah, with live oaks cloaked in Spanish moss, Aaron Whitley, the Chatham County Democratic Party chair, says Ossoff has managed to transcend those fissures better than most.
    — Sam Gringlas, NPR, 27 Aug. 2026
  • But a fissure remains between those actors who stay morally opposed to cloning, and those who embrace this new reality.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of fissure
Noun
  • Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have uncovered a new processor attack that can bypass defenses in Intel and AMD chips by exploiting a security gap lasting only a handful of instructions.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
  • That’s not an easy gap to close, especially in a state with strict budget caps.
    — Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of gap
Verb
  • Ossai will be week-to-week after rupturing the plantar fascia in his foot against the Giants last Friday night.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026
  • But the drug caused Niskala’s uterus to rupture in five places.
    — Michael Collins, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of rupture
Noun
  • High-pressure washing can force water into seals and crevices, damage weatherstripping, and strip paint—especially on doors that are already showing signs of chipping or peeling.
    — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Unapproved use of old cardboard pieces placed in underside crevices below the center prep table.
    — Vince Basada, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of crevice
Noun
  • McIlroy surged into the top-10 on Saturday with a 7-under 63, powered by nine birdies, including three in his final four holes.
    — Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The researchers engineered an additional GaN layer that naturally creates a second sheet containing mobile holes, called a two-dimensional hole gas, or 2DHG.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of hole
Verb
  • Upon his return to the team, Simmons started three games before fracturing his wrist in a game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day.
    — Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Corbin fractured his jaw in two places, busted his upper arm, and lacerated his lip.
    — Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of fracture
Verb
  • Braun tore ligaments in his left ankle last November and wasn’t quite the same after that.
    — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Many communities like Gary have been in the dark for almost two weeks since the devastating derecho tore through.
    — Marissa Sulek, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of tear
Verb
  • Through four series, Spartacus encounters brutal battles, heart-rending betrayals, and more.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The German priest’s criticisms of the Catholic Church sparked the Protestant Reformation, rending Christianity in two.
    — Michael Bruening, The Conversation, 30 June 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on rift

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rift

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