gap

noun

ˈgap How to pronounce gap (audio)
Definition of gapnext
1
as in hole
an open space in a barrier (as a wall or hedge) there were several visible gaps in the wall where the drywall had pulled away from the wall framing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in interval
a break in continuity there was a 15-minute gap between the two televised sporting events

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in void
an incomplete or deficient area a gap in his understanding

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in canyon
a narrow opening between hillsides or mountains that can be used for passage thought they were stuck until they found a gap in the mountain range that they could hike through

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 gap Other data from the personal finance website FinanceBuzz claims that there is an even larger gap in Social Security pay. — Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 10 July 2026 For critics, the issue highlights a gap in how the US regulates satellites, as some groups have been calling for the FCC to conduct environmental reviews of large satellite constellations. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 10 July 2026 That gap between the impressive demo and real business change is the cost that most finance teams won’t be able to measure. — Neda Nia, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 The mechanism pushes or retracts permanent magnets positioned on all four sides of the robot, allowing neighboring boats to connect across gaps of 10 to 15 centimeters. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for gap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gap
  1. hole
  2. interval
  3. void
  4. canyon
  5. crevice
  6. interruption
  7. ravine
  8. opening
Noun
  • Mozeliak said the Angels should not consider a trade proposal in isolation, without considering how to flex their major-market muscles to fill whatever hole a trade might create.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • The difference between these two measurements gives the exciton binding energy, a key quantity that determines how strongly the electron and hole remain bound together.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026
Definition of hole
Noun
  • The democratization of private credit through interval funds and other retail-accessible vehicles has created access, but not necessarily access to the same deal quality available to the largest institutional investors.
    — Jason Kirsch, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • Although the numbers on the chassis were divided into various unrelated intervals, the transmissions appeared to be numbered sequentially, as were the tank guns, heaters, road wheels and turret engines.
    — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 7 July 2026
Definition of interval
Noun
  • One minute you could be booked and busy, the next, a major client leaves, and you’re left scrambling to bring in new leads to fill the void.
    — Chelsea Tobin, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • On June 30, Williams and Meir ventured into the void to replace a wrist joint on the space station's Canadarm2 robotic arm that had been malfunctioning.
    — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of void
Noun
  • Many who rely on copper-wire landlines live in remote rural areas, but some also live in the hills and canyons of major metro areas like Los Angeles, where cell and internet service is patchy and the risk of natural disasters is high.
    — Jenny Jarvie Follow, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • There's a canyon between building AI and running it, and most organizations are standing on the wrong side of it wondering why the view hasn't changed.
    — Todd Bernson, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of canyon
Noun
  • Use soap and water to wipe down surfaces and thoroughly vacuum any cracks and crevices.
    — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 July 2026
  • The gel doesn’t feel sticky to the touch, won’t leave behind residue, and can also be used to clean other surfaces with tight crevices like keyboards.
    — Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
Definition of crevice
Noun
  • Research at the University of California, Irvine in 2008 found that returning to full focus after an interruption can take an average of 23 minutes.
    — Faustino Júnior, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • In February 2025, Musk admitted DOGE accidentally ended—and then quickly restored—funding for Ebola prevention, saying there was no interruption to programming.
    — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 6 July 2026
Definition of interruption
Noun
  • When camping in an open environment, select a campsite in a valley, ravine, or low region.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 July 2026
  • Reaching the wreckage proved difficult as emergency workers, backed by paramilitary forces, climbed down a steep mountainside to the ravine up to 25 meters (80 feet) deep.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Definition of ravine
Noun
  • In their opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Jesse Marsch’s side repeatedly played the ball short but kept several players in the box to draw the Bosnian defence out and find an open man.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • Vets were also treated to a block party after the opening with food and Phillies swag.
    — Dan Snyder, CBS News, 14 July 2026
Definition of opening

Browse Nearby Words

gang up (on)
gap
gape
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Cite this Entry

“Gap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gap. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on gap

Nglish: Translation of gap for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gap

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