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cave 1 of 2

noun

ˈkāv How to pronounce cave (audio)
Definition of cavenext
as in cavern
a naturally formed underground chamber with an opening to the surface Kentucky's Mammoth Cave is actually a series of large chambers on five levels

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cave

2 of 2

verb

as in to submit

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cave
Noun
Several games in the franchise find players exploring vast buildings, labs, and caves outfitted with hilariously elaborate locks that require special keys, cards, gems, and other seemingly random items to open. — Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Sep. 2026 The cave had effectively served as a prehistoric rest and maintenance station. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026
Verb
In addition to honoring cave closures, people should follow the National White-nose Syndrome Decontamination Protocol that helps stop the spread of the fungus from cave to cave. — Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 9 Sep. 2026 Either way, the scenarios are enough to make armpits cave — and sweat — under pressure. — Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cave
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cave
  1. cavern
  2. submit
  3. grotto
  4. capitulate
  5. beset
  6. overrun
Noun
  • Salt caverns present severe geographical constraints, while aquifers and depleted hydrocarbon fields lack demonstrated, long-term containment integrity for hydrogen gas.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2026
  • After lingering over spaghetti alle vongole at Ristorante Lido Azzurro, which hovers over the sea near Amalfi’s harbor, zip around the coast to sea caverns and grottos, pausing for dips in secluded spots away from the crowds.
    — Lane Nieset, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of cavern
Verb
  • The county urged the Supreme Court to reject the administration's appeal, while the state of Texas submitted its own brief defending the database.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The controversial budget maneuver occurs when a president submits a request to Congress to block funding so close to the end of the fiscal year that the funds can expire before Congress receives the full 45-day consideration period under the law.
    — Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of submit
Noun
  • The site near the Spanish border draws millions of pilgrims annually, including sick and disabled believers hoping for a cure from the famed spring water in the Lourdes grotto.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Best Things to Do Hamilton Pool Preserve is a limestone grotto with a 50-foot waterfall cascading into a natural pool below.
    — Jill Robbins, Travel + Leisure, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of grotto
Verb
  • When a Black professor suggests that the protesting students are infringing on their classmates’ right to use shared areas, her white counterparts shake their heads in disgust for her refusal to capitulate to progressive groupthink.
    — Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Are the law firms and universities that capitulated listening?
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of capitulate
Verb
  • Osbourne, who was beset by medical issues in the years, months, and even days leading up to the farewell show, performed while seated in a throne.
    — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 24 Sep. 2026
  • It's already beset by an energy crisis triggered by the war in Iran.
    — EDNA TARIGAN, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of beset
Verb
  • The Houthis have a long-running animus against the Saudis, which began in 2015, months after the Houthis overran the Yemeni capital of Sanaa in 2014.
    — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Otherwise, the defence failed to defend, the midfield got overrun and the attack was so insipid that Wrexham managed just one shot on target — George Dobson’s 35th-minute effort that Konstantinos Mavropanos blocked just in front of the goal line.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of overrun

Phrases Containing cave

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cavalrymen
cave
caveat
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Cite this Entry

“Cave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cave. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cave

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cave

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