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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defiles
Noun
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One of the original Florida state parks, opened to the public in 1935, the 13,000-acre expanse felt more like Georgia or North Carolina with its high plateaus, steep ravines, waterfalls, and seasonal foliage.—
Carrie Honaker,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Nov. 2025 -
And at Wallow Hallow Woods, tucked across the ravines and slopes unscathed by fire, beech and maple trees still grow.—
Sophie Hartley,
IndyStar,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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But to isolate gold, galamsey workers typically use poisonous mercury, which pollutes drinking water and farmland and has been linked to serious illness and birth defects.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
15 Oct. 2025
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Debris pollutes waterways, cooking fires may spread, and the District Attorney’s Office has repeatedly documented how homeless residents are more likely to be victims of crime.—
Blake Nelson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Several lawsuits have been filed in state courts arguing that the mid-decade redistricting violates the Missouri constitution.—
Connor Greene,
Time,
6 Nov. 2025
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If Butler violates any terms, the court could enforce his full 78-year sentence.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Along the way, the train passes through dense forests and narrow river canyons.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Nov. 2025
-
The fire reached about 40 acres in a spot where brushy canyons, ridges and thick palm tree groves meet with hilltop communities.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Rather uniquely, this area is overshadowed by gorges and massive mountains, which block out city lights.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Nov. 2025
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Apart from the gorges and cliffs, the area features beautiful waterfalls and rock shelters.—
Chad Murphy,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
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This mountainous region is known for its lush forests, lakes and valleys – and for being a hotspot for this year’s deadly bear attacks in Japan.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
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With its valleys, table-top plateaus, waterfalls, and limestone caves, it’s often compared to Yosemite or Zion.—
Aaron Randolph,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Defiles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defiles. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.
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