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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Intra-party rifts and frustration consumed Democrats in Congress last week, as lawmakers raced to avert a government shutdown. — Savannah Kuchar, USA TODAY, 16 Mar. 2025 This has caused a rift between Renee and Mark Brinkerhoff, her son and actual co-owner of those restaurants. — Justin Wingerter, The Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2025
Verb
However, the supercontinent began to rift and splinter in the late Triassic about 230 million years ago. — Gabe Allen, Discover Magazine, 15 Sep. 2022 The police, unsurprisingly, started to fire tear gas canisters again, trying to rift and wedge the fleeing protesters. — Quartz Staff, Quartz, 28 Dec. 2019 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
  • Angela Stent, a former national intelligence officer for Russia and Eurasia at the National Intelligence Council, said Putin is likely in no rush to end the war amid the fissures between Trump and Zelensky and between Europe and the U.S. about the way ahead.
    — AAMER MADHANI, TIME, 3 Mar. 2025
  • With support for Proposition 1 varying little across race or geography, ideological lines proved to be the main fissure.
    — Ari Plachta, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of fissure
Noun
  • However, a glaring gap has emerged and must be earnestly addressed: the need for fair, accurate and relevant representation of LGBTQ people.
    — Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Mar. 2025
  • A lot of attention has been drawn recently to the valuation gap between U.K./European and U.S. public companies.
    — Alexander Savin, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of gap
Verb
  • The assault escalated with The Rock using a belt and Travis Scott delivering a slap that reportedly ruptured Rhodes's eardrum, requiring an earplug for Rhodes's subsequent entrance.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
  • An aneurysm can rupture and bleed, which can be fatal.
    — Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of rupture
Noun
  • Attachments Handheld vacuums may have attachments for specialized cleanings, such as hoses, brushes or crevice tools.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Use a cotton swab to work the treatment into seams and to brighten up vents, crevices and other irregular surfaces. Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter.
    — Jim Gorzelany, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of crevice
Noun
  • To prevent wildfires under a red flag warning, follow these steps: If burning is allowed in your location, make sure all burn barrels are fitted with a weighted metal cover that has holes no bigger than 3/4 of an inch.
    — STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Fill the planting hole with garden soil, pressing the soil down gently with your hand.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of hole
Verb
  • Bobby Templin’s thumb was fractured in January 2023 after a fight broke out at the Idaho State Correctional Center, south of Boise, where he was housed.
    — Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 20 Mar. 2025
  • The drama begins when some understanding is fractured: an understanding between two people or two companies, or between an institution and a person within an institution.
    — Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of fracture
Verb
  • In January 2025, the Palisades and Eaton fires tore through Southern California, consuming thousands of homes and reducing neighborhoods and critical infrastructure to ashes.
    — Trevor Riggen, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • June is visibly torn between the two loves of her life: Luke and Nick (Max Minghella), the latter of who continues to risk everything to save her no matter the consequences.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of tear
Verb
  • The Seagull The season’s starriest show is Chekhov’s rending play about art, love and loss in a new version from Duncan Macmillan and Thomas Ostermeier, with Ostermeier directing.
    — Matt Wolf, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2025
  • In lesser hands, this might be one of those theatrical pieces that offers a nice excuse for actors to rend garments and gnash teeth onscreen — the sort of cinéma du Off-Broadway favored by microbudget indie directors and arthouse die-hards.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 6 Sep. 2024
Definition of rend

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Cite this Entry

“Rift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rift. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on rift

Nglish: Translation of rift for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rift

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