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

The forest being the chasm between rich and poor that's clearly shown on that chart. — Paddy Hirsch, NPR, 8 Sep. 2026

But the advent of NIL has turned the gap into an unconquerable chasm. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026

Brief yet compelling, these messages retain a sense of urgency that calls to us over the chasm of space/time. — Jim Greer, SPIN, 3 Sep. 2026

Tom, however, is determined not to turn this into anything other than a need to have Willis crack the case and save Jake; the wide chasm between the two is apparent from the start and Tom certainly doesn’t want any reunion with his father. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 27 Aug. 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