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

And in Miami, that chasm is widening. —Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026

And, in the process, exposing just how wide the chasm is between the region’s best and his side. —Josh Gross, Daily News, 24 Feb. 2026

There is a chasm between possessing white-hot potential and achieving concrete, consistent results at the highest level, but Seixas is bridging that gap with apparent ease. —Andy McGrath, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2026

And mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato, the star whose name alone was enough to fill the house on February 19, skipped back and forth across that expressive chasm with ease, accompanied by the string trio Time for Three. —Justin Davidson, Vulture, 22 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