as in ravines
a narrow opening between hillsides or mountains that can be used for passage
the cattle, once they were cornered in the defile, were quickly rounded up
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in pollutes
to make unfit for use by the addition of something harmful or undesirable
supplies of meat that had been defiled by maggots
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in violates
to treat (a sacred place or object) shamefully or with great disrespect
art conservators were careful not to do anything that might defile the holy relic
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of defiles
George Packer, The Atlantic, 24 Nov. 2025
Verb
Moral and intellectual descent is inherent in a political project that sets out to undermine liberal democracy, reject the inclusive egalitarianism of modern America, find enemies to demonize, and heroize a leader who defiles common decency.
—George Packer, The Atlantic, 24 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defiles
Noun
-
If outside, seek shelter in low-lying areas like ditches or ravines.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
6 Mar. 2026
-
The area has deep ravines and dense vegetation.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The prices in California are higher than in other states because of higher taxes and stricter requirements for cleaner, more expensive gas that pollutes less.—
Iris Kwok,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Climate change, industrial pollution, inadequate sanitation that pollutes drinking water sources with human waste — these are all factors in the water crisis.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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If Khan violates the terms of his probation, the court could impose the eight-year prison sentence, according to the District Attorney’s Office.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
4 Mar. 2026
-
If LaPlaca violates the terms of the PTI program, she could be prosecuted for the child abuse charge.—
Joe Brandt,
CBS News,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Over 14,000 years ago, the 18 sandstone canyons within the park were shaped by meltwater from glaciers.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Wind prone canyons along US-395 may exceed 65 mph.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Stone villages cling to hillsides above orchards while rivers slice through limestone gorges below.—
Rob Crossan,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Then there’s the ice that’s been frozen in its tracks while cascading down cliffs and gorges.—
Brian Higgins,
Outside,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The vistas offer sweeping views of the forest, valleys, and bluffs below.—
Erika Ebsworth-Goold,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Mar. 2026
-
In spring, the lower valleys of the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) burst into color with wild cherry and fruit tree blossoms, especially around the Tirthan Valley and Sainj Valley regions.—
Alexandra Gillespie,
Outside,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defiles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defiles. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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