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

That would be the best growth since five years ago, when the economy was roaring out of the chasm created by the COVID-19 pandemic. — ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026

As the representatives of the global North’s industrial might bridge the same chasm that stands between today’s migrants and the United States, Restrepo considers the unequal flows of people and property between the Americas. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026

That would be the best growth since five years ago, when the economy was roaring out of the chasm created by COVID-19. — Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026

Meanwhile, Lee adopts a flustered countenance to fill in the chasms of characterization the script didn’t think through. — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 7 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