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
-
Ponds, streams, small ravines, and valleys provide drama throughout its 27 acres.—
Amy Waldman,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Mar. 2026
-
If outside, seek shelter in low-lying areas like ditches or ravines.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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As my colleague Iris Kwok explains, that’s due to the state’s higher taxes and stricter requirements for cleaner, more expensive gas that pollutes.—
Lila Seidman,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Mar. 2026
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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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The same goes for anyone whose family member violates a rule of the game.—
Jada Yuan,
Vulture,
14 Mar. 2026
-
And the companies argue that any kind of regulation is going to stop somebody from speaking and therefore violates the First Amendment.—
David Remnick,
New Yorker,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
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You’ll hike Zion’s canyons with an Indigenous guide while gaining insight into today’s challenges.—
The Editors,
Outside,
18 Mar. 2026
-
That’s due in large part to its natural beauty—towering mountains, spectacular canyons, and rushing waters inspire hiking, biking, fly-fishing and a number of other outdoor pursuits.—
Amelia Mularz,
Architectural Digest,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Soon, there could be military boots on the ground crossing into the Islamic Republic of Iran from this terrain of fertile valleys, deep gorges and ancient Mesopotamian trade routes perched below the mountainous border dividing Iraq and Iran.—
Younes Mohammad,
USA Today,
15 Mar. 2026
-
The new bridge survived the massive 1913 and 1937 floods, as well as the destructive ice gorges, or ice jams, that struck Riverside Park in the 1910s.—
IndyStar,
IndyStar,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
High temperatures were predicted in the mid-90s to lower triple digits in the inland valleys, and between the high 70s to low 90s along the coast.—
Austin Turner,
CBS News,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Temperatures are expected to drop on Saturday into the upper 70s and low 80s along the coast and the low 90s inland and in the valleys, according to the National Weather Service.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Defiles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defiles. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.
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