Definition of escarpmentnext
as in cliff
a steep wall of rock, earth, or ice the castle sits atop an escarpment that for hundreds of years made it virtually invulnerable to attack

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 escarpment As the sun dropped and the temperature fell, Scarabeo Roches Noires emerged on the horizon, a small cluster of white tents perched on a rocky escarpment. Fergus Scholes, TheWeek, 30 Jan. 2026 Outside, stone cladding and turf roofs help the buildings blend into the escarpment. Nicholas Derenzo, AFAR Media, 29 Jan. 2026 At 5 o’clock the sun dropped behind Steamboat Mountain, a towering escarpment that overshadows the entire area. William J. McRae, Outdoor Life, 26 Nov. 2025 Tries a first flight from the escarpment, a learner breeze across the valley, and realises – wow! Literary Hub, 3 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for escarpment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for escarpment
Noun
  • Whenever someone reaches the top of the 25-meter (82-feet) cliff — often for the first time — spectators, instructors and climbers break into applause.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026
  • Every twenty minutes cliff divers, costumed characters, and magicians put on performances and interact with diners.
    Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • The optical illusion reminded early settlers of the blockades of wooden stakes, or palisades, built around forts to ward off threats.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 May 2026
  • In 2014, the regional nonprofit group SOS Sahel came to Barkadroussou and taught villagers to stabilize the dunes by building palisades of palm fronds.
    Julie Bourdin, NPR, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But, typical of Hockney portraiture, the resulting drawings magnificently captured every crag in Auden’s impossibly craggy face.
    Mark Rozzo, Vanity Fair, 12 June 2026
  • Recommendations The Storr, a hill known for its peculiar crags, is one of Scotland’s most popular destinations.
    New York Times, New York Times, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • Teams should be much more aggressive in calling bluffs from agents in situations like this.
    Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 26 June 2026
  • The Pacific Coast Highway is one of America’s most scenic drives, with stunning bluffs and designated vista points featuring sparkling ocean views.
    Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Escarpment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/escarpment. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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