1
as in holes
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
Relevance
2
as in intervals
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 ravines
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
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Recent Examples of gaps
But expecting that dogs will fill the social and emotional gaps in our lives is actually an obstacle to dogs’ flourishing, and human flourishing as well.
—
Margret Grebowicz, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026
Key contributors include lack of availability, transportation to these services, workforce availability and insurance coverage gaps.
—Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
Daley quickly used much of the money to plug budget gaps.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
That includes mapping the current innovation landscape by reviewing biobased and recycled elastane materials, alongside emerging separation and recycling technologies, to pinpoint gaps across the value chain.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 13 Feb. 2026
With increasing production complexity and a growing shortage of skilled labor, the Group views Physical AI systems as a robust solution to address gaps in both areas.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Feb. 2026
Using an army of drones to help plug the gaps in its infantry lines, Ukraine has slowed the Russian advances in many sections of the front, and in others has stopped it completely.
—Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026
There’s a dusty cloud surrounding the central, contracting star, and that cloud is strongly suspected to be disk-like, with outflows and gaps in the dust in the two directions perpendicular to the disk.
—Big Think, 11 Feb. 2026
Researchers looked at the napping habits of 20 young adults, focusing on the tiny gaps between neurons called synapses.
—Hunter Boyce, AJC.com, 11 Feb. 2026
Margret Grebowicz, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026
Key contributors include lack of availability, transportation to these services, workforce availability and insurance coverage gaps.
—Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
Daley quickly used much of the money to plug budget gaps.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
That includes mapping the current innovation landscape by reviewing biobased and recycled elastane materials, alongside emerging separation and recycling technologies, to pinpoint gaps across the value chain.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 13 Feb. 2026
With increasing production complexity and a growing shortage of skilled labor, the Group views Physical AI systems as a robust solution to address gaps in both areas.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Feb. 2026
Using an army of drones to help plug the gaps in its infantry lines, Ukraine has slowed the Russian advances in many sections of the front, and in others has stopped it completely.
—Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026
There’s a dusty cloud surrounding the central, contracting star, and that cloud is strongly suspected to be disk-like, with outflows and gaps in the dust in the two directions perpendicular to the disk.
—Big Think, 11 Feb. 2026
Researchers looked at the napping habits of 20 young adults, focusing on the tiny gaps between neurons called synapses.
—Hunter Boyce, AJC.com, 11 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gaps
Noun
-
Bhatia made it through 47 holes of this signature event until his first bogey when the strengthening wind sent his tee shot well over the green on the par-3 12th.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Another method is to use injection-spray bars to create thousands of small holes on a course, using nozzles that force water into the snow.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Both in terms of tangible strategy, and embracing a mindset that having 81 games in this park is an advantage over visitors who have to make quick adjustments in three-day intervals.—
Sam Blum,
New York Times,
14 Feb. 2026
-
The bike maker is also expected to extend service intervals beyond the MX and EDX’s demanding 15-hour oil changes and 45-hour piston replacement schedules.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The area has deep ravines and dense vegetation.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Low fence markers can be seen outlining the building zone along Route 2, which slopes along open land, wooded patches and some ravines.—
Anna Ortiz,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In addition to using soft sponges and rags, Martha recommends using cotton swabs to apply the cream to tight spots and crevices when cleaning.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Examine your satin pothos for signs of pests, paying close attention to the undersides of the leaves and any crevices between the stems and petioles.—
Cori Sears,
The Spruce,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
That reduces interruptions during development workflows.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Damages often reflect medical needs, work interruptions, and the aftermath of the incident.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Travel through passes and canyons could become dangerous, and be alert for rock slides and mud slides.—
Southern California Weather Report,
Daily News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Travel through passes and canyons could become dangerous, and be alert for rock slides and mud slides.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In the new study, Bruzzone and his team focused on localized surface collapses that occur when sections of rock give way, creating skylight-like openings that can expose underground voids.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
9 Feb. 2026
-
The company encountered minor voids under the road during the project, which had no significant impact on the work completed.—
Erika Stanish,
CBS News,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Many older athletes, celebrated for beating the odds or for being the oldest, return despite setbacks and hiatuses from competition.—
Alexa Mikhail,
Flow Space,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Coverdale has served as the grounding vocalist for Whitesnake since 1978, with a few brief hiatuses.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
14 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gaps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gaps. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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