variants also barranco
as in cliff
a steep wall of rock, earth, or ice the intimidating barrancas that can be found in the Sierra Nevada

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 barranca Clark held his nerve to the end and was right there with him, even after a rare errant shot into the barranca on the 17th. Doug Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2023 His ball landed on the barranca, one of the steep-sided gullies at The Los Angeles Country Club. Josh Peter, USA TODAY, 16 June 2023 The Los Angeles Country Club’s barranca, a narrow gully, winds through the course, providing drainage during rainy season and a challenge to the players. Bill Pennington, New York Times, 15 June 2023 The barranca that crosses the front of the tee runs down the left side of the hole. Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2023 Jones shifted the fairway toward the canyon rim, with little rough or foliage to stop a golf ball from bounding into the barranca. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 June 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for barranca
Noun
  • Mickey piloted the boat to the cliffs, dropped anchor, and the four of them swam to shore.
    David Wright Faladé, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Dramatic limestone cliffs ensure picture-perfect views at every turn, and, even in the height of summer, sweeping beaches ensure there's room for everyone on the sand.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The scars are beautiful and almost aerodynamic.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Slow-moving thunderstorms frequently unleash catastrophic downpours over the South Fork burn scar, a region still reeling from two fires that scorched over 15,000 acres and destroyed 1,400 structures.
    Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The palisade walls and structural support beams that hold up the fort are made to look like wood but are constructed of concrete.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 June 2025
  • But what are the other buildings impacted by palisades fires?
    Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 13 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Barranca.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/barranca. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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