chasm

noun

ˈka-zəm 

1

: a deep cleft in the surface of a planet (such as the earth) : gorge

built a bridge over the chasm

2

: a marked division, separation, or difference

the chasm between the rich and the poor

Synonyms

• abyss
• ocean

Examples of chasm in a Sentence

a chasm in the ocean floor

Recent Examples on the Web

This chasm exposes the fragmentation that’s holding back European innovation. —Jan Hammer, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025

Underscore those last three words — in the West — because the Grizzlies’ example illustrates a key truth about the difference between the East and West, one that possibly helps maintain the near-continuous chasm in strength between the two conferences. —John Hollinger, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025

But as Abetti freely admits, there is a chasm between a brilliant idea and a lasting enterprise. —Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025

Nearly 3,000 growing chasms have opened up in dozens of towns, swallowing up roads and houses in their path. —New Atlas, 2 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin chasma, from Greek; akin to Latin hiare to yawn — more at yawn

First Known Use

circa 1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for chasm

• bronchospasm
• cytoplasm
• ectoplasm
• neoplasm
• protoplasm
• vasospasm
• chiasm
• germplasm
• phantasm
• sarcasm
• enthusiasm
• iconoclasm

Kids Definition

chasm

noun

ˈkaz-əm 

: a deep split or gap in the earth