cleft

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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleft
Noun
  • Walter talks about developing the character of his protagonist’s son-in-law, whose right-wing politics are one of the causes of the family’s fissure.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 June 2025
  • How that fissure affects DOGE is yet to be seen, but the White House has already requested $45 million in funding for the group’s operations next year, an Office of Management and Budget document shows.
    William Turton, ProPublica, 10 June 2025
Noun
  • With four different brush heads this tool can tackle grout, tile and all of the dirty crevices in your bathroom.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 9 July 2025
  • Slither Release date: March 31, 2006 Cast: Nathan Fillion, Elizabeth Banks, Michael Rooker Another weird and wacky tale from the front-end of Gunn's career, Slither is the tale of a small town turned alien parasite hive that seeps into every corner and crevice of the once-peaceful place.
    Grace Dean, Space.com, 3 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cleft.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleft. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on cleft

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!