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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Valproic acid causes birth defects that can be detected in utero such as oral clefts or spina bifida.
—
Almut Winterstein, The Conversation, 30 Jan. 2025
Now that she’s become well known not only for her art and fashion, but for being a cleft advocate, speaking around the country about her experience with a cleft lip and palate, Glasses has been traveling a lot for personal appearances, which leaves precious little time for weaving.
—Booth Moore, WWD, 29 Oct. 2024
This bacteria is commonly carried in the nostrils, between the legs, in the armpits, and in the cleft between the buttocks.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 27 Sep. 2024
And a deep cleft, like something left by a hatchet,
above the bridge of my nose.
—Forrest Gander, The New York Review of Books, 12 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for cleft
Almut Winterstein, The Conversation, 30 Jan. 2025
Now that she’s become well known not only for her art and fashion, but for being a cleft advocate, speaking around the country about her experience with a cleft lip and palate, Glasses has been traveling a lot for personal appearances, which leaves precious little time for weaving.
—Booth Moore, WWD, 29 Oct. 2024
This bacteria is commonly carried in the nostrils, between the legs, in the armpits, and in the cleft between the buttocks.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 27 Sep. 2024
And a deep cleft, like something left by a hatchet,
above the bridge of my nose.
—Forrest Gander, The New York Review of Books, 12 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for cleft
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleft
Noun
-
The holiday came amid a rift distancing the King, 76, from his younger son, the Duke of Sussex, in a fissure that won't seem to heal.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
15 June 2025
-
The fissures are there for anyone who dares see them.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
2 June 2025
Noun
-
Make sure to vacuum all carpets and rugs, including hard-to-reach nooks by using your vacuum crevice tool.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
22 June 2025
-
Starting among the orange rocks, vaults, and spires of Arches National Park and passing through with the Colorado River–carved crevices of Canyonlands, this journey feels like a visit to Mars.—
Chloe Arrojado,
AFAR Media,
11 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cleft.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleft. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share