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

This incident underscores the growing chasm between rapid AI development and slow government regulation. —Craig S. Smith, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

The living room can turn suddenly cold and cavernous, with Joe and Angela yelling at each other across an emotional chasm. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 19 June 2026

This beloved New York State summertime tubing run starts at Table Rock and sends riders through a stunning chasm that cuts through a gorge. —Terry Ward, Travel + Leisure, 17 June 2026

When Runway co-founder Cris Valenzuela called out the winner, the crowd practically erupted, happy for their colleague in this still-small community but also, perhaps, happy for the crossing-the-chasm moment. —Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 17 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