as in escarpments
a steep wall of rock, earth, or ice
the cliff rises 200 feet from the island's south shore
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cliffs
The area's geography of tall seaside cliffs and sharp mountain ridges can contribute to turbulent air and quick weather changes that pose hazards for aviation.
—
Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
The Na Pali Coast’s towering cliffs and sharp ridges create turbulent air currents and sudden weather changes that pose significant aviation hazards.
—Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2026
Helicopter tours are a popular way to explore the cliffs, beaches and waterfalls lining the Na Pali Coast, which is otherwise only accessible by hiking or boat.
—ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026
Camp at the trailhead and start early to beat the stifling desert heat, and be rewarded with shafts of ethereal light dancing on the cliffs.
—Madison Chapman, Outside, 25 Mar. 2026
The incident was the latest in a series of fatal incidents along the Devil’s Slide coastline near Pacifica, a scenic stretch of Highway 1 known for its cliffs and dangerous terrain and associated with serious accidents and rescues.
—Aidin Vaziri, San Francisco Chronicle, 24 Mar. 2026
From Croatia’s medieval walls to Ireland’s cliffs to Italy’s cave dwellings, the most cinematic filming locations in the world also happen to be affordable destinations best explored on foot.
—Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 21 Mar. 2026
The Bolaven Plateau is a place where remnants of ancient volcanic activity, such as lava cliffs and extinct volcanic craters, coexist with lush natural landscapes that feature breathtaking waterfalls, deep gorges, and dramatic riverscapes.
—Jasmine Ting, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Mar. 2026
Outdoor enthusiasts should check out Free Solo, a mountain-climbing documentary featuring fearless free soloists and sweeping shots of impossibly high cliffs.
—Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 19 Mar. 2026
Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
The Na Pali Coast’s towering cliffs and sharp ridges create turbulent air currents and sudden weather changes that pose significant aviation hazards.
—Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2026
Helicopter tours are a popular way to explore the cliffs, beaches and waterfalls lining the Na Pali Coast, which is otherwise only accessible by hiking or boat.
—ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026
Camp at the trailhead and start early to beat the stifling desert heat, and be rewarded with shafts of ethereal light dancing on the cliffs.
—Madison Chapman, Outside, 25 Mar. 2026
The incident was the latest in a series of fatal incidents along the Devil’s Slide coastline near Pacifica, a scenic stretch of Highway 1 known for its cliffs and dangerous terrain and associated with serious accidents and rescues.
—Aidin Vaziri, San Francisco Chronicle, 24 Mar. 2026
From Croatia’s medieval walls to Ireland’s cliffs to Italy’s cave dwellings, the most cinematic filming locations in the world also happen to be affordable destinations best explored on foot.
—Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 21 Mar. 2026
The Bolaven Plateau is a place where remnants of ancient volcanic activity, such as lava cliffs and extinct volcanic craters, coexist with lush natural landscapes that feature breathtaking waterfalls, deep gorges, and dramatic riverscapes.
—Jasmine Ting, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Mar. 2026
Outdoor enthusiasts should check out Free Solo, a mountain-climbing documentary featuring fearless free soloists and sweeping shots of impossibly high cliffs.
—Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 19 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cliffs
Noun
-
Just as the sun prepared to sink beyond the escarpments, its rays struck every piece of the fractured glass resting on top of the window frames, alighting all of them at once, as if they were shot with electricity.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
16 Mar. 2026
-
This park is all escarpments, rivers, and old forests.—
Daniel Scheffler,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Dan shone his flashlight in the crags of a rock wall, and the antennae of hundreds of spiny lobsters waved in its beam.—
Betsy Andrews,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Her travels are usually inspired by mountain bike trails, classic crags, and whatever is happening in the sky.—
Maya Silver,
Outside,
25 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In an ideal world the palisades would have their own mayor and police department.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
By night, enjoy the wavy shoreline and ochre limestone bluffs from your campsite.—
Madison Chapman,
Outside,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Another fence is causing trouble in Del Mar, where residents went to court a few years ago to stop the installation of a safety fence along the railroad tracks on the seaside bluffs.—
Phil Diehl,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cliffs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cliffs. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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