Definition of cleftnext
as in fissure
an irregular usually narrow break in a surface created by pressure my fishing line managed to get wedged in a cleft in the rocks

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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 cleft From his flat top, cleft chin, starched collar, and tight shirt to the crease in his trousers tucked into black boots. Literary Hub, 27 Mar. 2026 Along with the Antwerp Six, Martin Margiela put the small Belgian city of Antwerp on the international fashion radar, founding his house in 1988 and introducing cleft-toed boots, deconstructed clothes and all-white stores to the fashion lexicon. Miles Socha, Footwear News, 10 Feb. 2026 Apparently growing out of the cleft between her breasts was a large mauve orchid. Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025 Doctors couldn't tell her how severe the cleft would be or any other complications that may be involved with Benji's diagnosis. Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for cleft
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleft
Noun
  • Groundwater steadily rises through fissures in the limestone bedrock, providing the spring with a constant flow of pristine water.
    Savannah Born, Travel + Leisure, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Allegations expose fissures within SEIU Two law firms conducted separate investigations into Regan’s behavior at SEIU California, an umbrella group consisting of 17 local service unions.
    Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • There’s a dust brush to gather hair, pet fur, and dust from upholstery, a crevice tool to reach between couch cushions, and a wide, flat brush to give your sofa an even better once-over.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026
  • In the clip, McGraw’s cowboy boot appears to get caught in a crevice onstage, sending him to the ground.
    Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 29 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cleft.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleft. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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