Entry Word: gap

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 an open space in a barrier (as a wall or hedge) <there were several visible gaps in the wall where the drywall had pulled away from the wall framing>

Synonyms breach, break, discontinuity, gulf, hole, interval, opening, rent, rift, separation

Related Words chink, cleft, crack, cranny, crevice, fissure; notch, slit, slot, split; interspace, pore, space; abyss, aperture, cavity, chasm, gape, orifice; fracture, rupture, severance, sundering

2 a break in continuity <there was a 15-minute gap between the two televised sporting events>

Synonyms discontinuity, hiatus, interim, interlude, intermission, interruption, interval

Related Words caesura, pause, space; lapse, suspension; lull, recess, respite, rest

Near Antonyms continuum, run, stretch; procession, progression

Antonyms continuation, continuity

3 a narrow opening between hillsides or mountains that can be used for passage <thought they were stuck until they found a gap in the mountain range that they could hike through> — see canyon