Synonyms of canyon

canyon

noun

ˈkan-yən 

variants also cañon

as in ravine

a narrow opening between hillsides or mountains that can be used for passage

as the scouts made their way through the canyon, they marveled at the sheer walls of rock on both sides

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ravine
• gorge
• valley
• gulch
• saddle
• gap
• pass
• col
• flume
• crevice
• defile
• abyss
• couloir
• gulf
• notch
• kloof
• fissure
• gill
• trench
• linn
• chasm
• glen
• basin
• cleft
• crevasse
• vale
• dale
• gutter
• gully
• cirque
• hollow
• arroyo
• floodplain
• dell
• combe
• wadi
• kettle
• coulee
• trough
• cwm
• barranca
• wash
• shut-in
• draw
• nullah

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of canyon

Step right off the property onto miles of scenic hiking and mountain biking trails, or ride the complimentary gondola down to historic downtown for instant access to iconic box-canyon treks, cascading waterfalls and world-class fly fishing. — Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Neece and Timko gaze over the canyon view from which inspired the ranch’s name. — Emma Madden, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

As the sun dips behind the canyon walls, the desert cools down rapidly, creating another window to head back out for a dusky hike. — Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 20 Aug. 2026

Your body is still your body at the river, at altitude, in the canyon. — Diana Helmuth, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026