RIFT Synonyms: 130 Similar and Opposite Words

rift 1 of 2

noun

ˈrift

Definition of rift

as in fissure

an irregular usually narrow break in a surface created by pressure a small rift opened in the earth's crust

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in gap

an open space in a barrier (as a wall or hedge) it was possible to peek through the rift in the fence and see the ball game

Synonyms & Similar Words

rift

2 of 2

verb

as in to rupture

Related Words

Dissimilar 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 rift

Noun

But the Michigan race has been mired in tensions since a bitter primary battle that ended with El-Sayed’s narrow defeat of Stevens and that exposed deep rifts in the party over Israel. — Erin Cox, Washington Post, 1 Nov. 2026 It was initially believed that Posada and then-manager Joe Girardi, who were teammates in the late 90s, had a rift, but Posada nixed that notion. — Ryan Morik Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026

Verb

Rami and Shirley can’t agree on what to do with the baby, which begins to rift their relationships. — Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Sep. 2024 However, the supercontinent began to rift and splinter in the late Triassic about 230 million years ago. — Gabe Allen, Discover Magazine, 15 Sep. 2022 See All Example Sentences for rift

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rift

Noun

An exception to the rule occurs over volcanic fissures on the flanks of the Alba Mons volcano, in early summer.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 4 Nov. 2026
The opposition has articulated clear differences from the current government on matters of domestic policy, but major fissures on the Palestinian conflict, Iran, and Israel’s wider regional military campaigns are less apparent.

— Dalia Dassa Kaye, Foreign Affairs, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of fissure

Noun

That pricing gap reinforces PSA's lead and gives its decisions about fees and submission services considerable influence over the resale market.

— Matthew Tan, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026
The revenue generated by higher parking fees was a key factor in closing a $66 million budget gap this fiscal year.

— Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of gap

Verb

After his grandfather’s gallbladder abruptly ruptured, the family learned the medical emergency was related to his diabetes.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 7 Nov. 2026
Some brain aneurysms cause no symptoms, while others can rupture and cause bleeding in or around the brain, potentially leading to a stroke, brain damage or death, according to the agency.

— Shafiq Najib, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of rupture

Noun

Sprinkle salt mixture all over outside of the turkey as well as inside the cavity of the turkey, patting to adhere and nudging some into every crevice.

— Andy Baraghani, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Nov. 2026
Crabs and mussels, prehistoric bugs, bits of seaweed, tiny minnows, they all get deposited, then stranded, in the cracks and crevices on top of these massive rocks.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of crevice

Noun

Midway through the third quarter, Riley burst through a wide-open hole and beat the Rams’ final defensive back for speed to race down the sideline for a 31-yard touchdown and his third of the night.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 8 Nov. 2026
This month, a series of explosions will blow holes in the former SS United States, sinking it some 25 miles off the Florida panhandle to become the world’s largest artificial reef.

— Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of hole

Verb

In January 2024, an explosion tore through the hotel basement, injuring 21 people and blowing out windows and walls in the 20-story building at 810 Houston St.

— Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Nov. 2026
Jones signed a two-year, $88 million contract extension worth up to $100 million in March 2026, with the Colts showing him loyalty despite tearing his Achilles in Week 14 last season.

— Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of tear

Browse Nearby Words

rifling

rift

rifted

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Rift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rift. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of rift

noun

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on rift

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

valorous

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

31 Useful Rhetorical Devices

More Commonly Misspelled Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Popular in Wordplay

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes