as in caverns
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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Recent Examples of caves
Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 29 Jan. 2026
Such tools are only preserved in specific environments like in ice, caves or underwater.
—Adithi Ramakrishnan, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
Prepare to hike down a dirt trail and then a narrow, steep stairwell that gives way to epic rock formations and captivating sea caves.
—Alanna Bennett, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Jan. 2026
Such tools are only preserved in specific environments like in ice, caves or underwater.
—Adithi Ramakrishnan, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
The invasive pests originally lived off the blood of bats, and when humans started sheltering in caves, bed bugs began feeding on them instead.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 23 Jan. 2026
Imagine The Goonies with a half dozen adults tramping through the caves.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Hand stencils have been found in caves in Europe, North America, and throughout Southeast Asia.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 21 Jan. 2026
Researchers said that sketch was at least 40,000 years old, slightly older than similar animal paintings found in famous caves in France and Spain.
—CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026
Noun
Among the highlights is a chance to set foot on the coral island of Rurutu, with troglodyte caves and hiking routes.
—Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 29 Jan. 2026
Such tools are only preserved in specific environments like in ice, caves or underwater.
—Adithi Ramakrishnan, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
Prepare to hike down a dirt trail and then a narrow, steep stairwell that gives way to epic rock formations and captivating sea caves.
—Alanna Bennett, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Jan. 2026
Such tools are only preserved in specific environments like in ice, caves or underwater.
—Adithi Ramakrishnan, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
The invasive pests originally lived off the blood of bats, and when humans started sheltering in caves, bed bugs began feeding on them instead.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 23 Jan. 2026
Imagine The Goonies with a half dozen adults tramping through the caves.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Hand stencils have been found in caves in Europe, North America, and throughout Southeast Asia.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 21 Jan. 2026
Researchers said that sketch was at least 40,000 years old, slightly older than similar animal paintings found in famous caves in France and Spain.
—CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for caves
Noun
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During summer months, the Wyandotte Caves attract visitors who wish to explore the unique underground caverns.—
Robert Annis,
Midwest Living,
19 Jan. 2026
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While the lake is said to have been discovered in 1905 by a 13-year-old boy named Ben Sands, the surrounding caverns were used by the Cherokee, and 20,000-year-old jaguar tracks were also found there.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Each state or local organization submits salary and travel data to the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts.—
Phoebe Quinton,
AJC.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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If passed, the AI Overwatch Act would revoke existing licenses for such AI chip transfers and impose a temporary ban until the administration submits a national security strategy on AI exports.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Highlights include Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors, the cliffside grottoes of Dunhuang, and a camel ride across the dunes of the Gobi Desert.—
Everett Potter,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
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Stay at the Four Seasons Resort Nevis, which partners with Islander Watersports to offer excursions to scuba dive reefs, coral grottoes and shipwrecks just minutes from Pinney’s Beach.—
Adrienne Jordan,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Cinema and poetry often inspire Rose with her namesake designs, bringing a dramatic edge to feminine styling that still yields to strength and confidence.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
4 Feb. 2026
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This understanding of Bessette Kennedy as a person with humor and charm — a depth beyond her wardrobe, reputation and married name — yields a delicate, enigmatic performance.—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Pythons are constrictors, known to grip prey in their jaws, coil around it, then squeeze until the victim capitulates.—
Mark Price,
Miami Herald,
11 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Caves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caves. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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