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

Second, however, at the chasm between the Framers’ conceptions of Presidential war power and the unbounded nature of that authority today. —Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 5 Mar. 2026

The chasm between some top Democrats and AIPAC is illustrated by their respective statements on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. —Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 3 Mar. 2026

This is a self-defeating stance for players, since baseball’s financial disparity at the team level is also mirrored by a huge chasm in compensation for individual players themselves. —Paul Bledsoe, Baltimore Sun, 2 Mar. 2026

The news takes her entire family by surprise, creating a chasm and putting everyone to the test. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 28 Feb. 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
• germplasm
• phantasm
• sarcasm
• enthusiasm
• iconoclasm

Kids Definition

chasm

noun

ˈkaz-əm 

: a deep split or gap in the earth