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 of chasm

• abyss
• ocean

Examples of chasm in a Sentence

a chasm in the ocean floor

Recent Examples on the Web

After another quarter, the chasm had widened to 27. —Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2026

However, the discrepancy between prices from Russia 2018 and this World Cup is huge, which explains why there is a chasm between Missouri’s workings and the reality. —Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 10 June 2026

On Monday night the Pacifica City Council extended an emergency declaration over the pier's condition, which has worsened from cracks in the concrete to a large chasm. —Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 9 June 2026

In an industry where the distance between a designer’s sketch and a production-ready garment can often feel like a chasm, Lectra is providing the digital bridge. —Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 4 June 2026

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
• nazim
• plasm
• spasm
• enthusiasm
• iconoclasm

Kids Definition

chasm

noun

ˈkaz-əm 

: a deep split or gap in the earth