rift 1 of 2

noun

ˈrift How to pronounce rift (audio)
Definition of riftnext
1
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

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2
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
Sources indicate that the fact that the two have been making separate appearances the past few months is a sign of a rift. — Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 22 July 2026 The couple has skipped numerous Beckham family occasions, including David’s Hollywood Walk of Fame Star ceremony in June, amid reports of a rift in the family following their wedding. — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 22 July 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
  1. fissure
  2. gap
  3. rupture
  4. crevice
  5. hole
  6. fracture
  7. tear
  8. rend
Noun
  • While effective in winning the war, the new government faced social and political fissures in the postwar period.
    — Donovan Fifield, The Conversation, 16 July 2026
  • Diggins’ absence from the court and the Sky’s ongoing lack of success seemed to set the table for an early fissure midway through the first season of her two-way deal.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026
Definition of fissure
Noun
  • But, in the background, cost of living woes were worsening for others, and the wealth gap was widening.
    — Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • Robot tracks victims, retrieves The system is aimed at a critical gap in maritime search and rescue.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 July 2026
Definition of gap
Verb
  • Xi values engagement with the West when advantageous, unlike Putin, who readily ruptures international ties.
    — Frank Lavin, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Previous flights ended with the spacecraft engulfed in flames and exploding at splashdown — or rupturing in midair.
    — Marcia Dunn, Fortune, 25 July 2026
Definition of rupture
Noun
  • Grab your soft brush and gently sweep any dust out of hard-to-reach crevices (think carved detailing, small corners, or shelving joints).
    — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 23 July 2026
  • Other signs of bed bugs include ink-like speckled stains on fabrics, shed exoskeletons around crevices of beds and furniture and a sweet, musty smell.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026
Definition of crevice
Noun
  • Jerry Kelly birdied the 72nd hole Sunday (despite hitting the ball in a greenside bunker) to account for a 2-shot margin of victory over Gogel, Darren Fichardt and Cameon Perry.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
  • Getty Images The Toronto Blue Jays suddenly have another hole to fill in the outfield, and with the trade deadline fast approaching, the front office is exploring every possible avenue to reinforce its roster.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of hole
Verb
  • Lynch confirmed an initial report by ESPN that Shanahan fractured his nose, a hand and three ribs, while requiring over 40 stitches to his face and sustaining a severe concussion.
    — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 25 July 2026
  • Conventional wisdom predicts a more crowded could fracture the anti-incumbent vote among the challengers.
    — Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2026
Definition of fracture
Verb
  • Skubal was torn between his allegiance to his country and his commitment to his Tigers team.
    — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Those arrested — many of them torn from their crying children — were detained in squalid conditions for days at a time on the 10th floor that Manhattan Federal Judge Lewis Kaplan earlier this year deemed inhumane.
    — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 20 July 2026
Definition of tear
Verb
  • The German priest’s criticisms of the Catholic Church sparked the Protestant Reformation, rending Christianity in two.
    — Michael Bruening, The Conversation, 30 June 2026
  • The excellent Julian Quinones’ early goal settled any nerves and then came the emotive, heart-rending second from talisman Raul Jimenez in the second half.
    — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 17 June 2026
Definition of rend

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rifling
rift
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Cite this Entry

“Rift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rift. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on rift

Nglish: Translation of rift for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rift

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