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

The Beckhams, although said to be both heartbroken over the rift, have never publicly responded their firstborn’s accusations. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026 After a disastrous incident turns the public against superheroes, the government creates a superhuman registration act that causes a deep rift among Avengers and other do-gooders along ideological lines. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 8 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

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

Inspectors also pointed to a large gap along the bottom of the bakery’s street-side double doors that could allow more insects or rodents to get inside.

— Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026
But both of these increase the gap between the solar clock and the body’s internal clock, which has been linked to poor health outcomes.

— Claire Maldarelli, Scientific American, 17 July 2026

Definition of gap

Verb

The pipeline ruptured in December 2022, spilling more than 540,000 gallons of oil into a creek and nearby farmland.

— Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 10 July 2026
The fill-in starting right guard was in the midst of his most impressive stretch as a pro when his right Achilles ruptured in the Panthers’ blowout loss.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2026

Definition of rupture

Noun

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
Doing so could compromise the appearance and create crevices where bacteria can hide.

— Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2026

Definition of crevice

Noun

The Louisiana State University alum came into the round ahead by two strokes but quickly lost it and went birdie-free for the final 12 holes.

— Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
Below it, there’s a wide concave base with a drainage hole that’s ideal for faux flowers, real flowers, or decorative rocks.

— Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2026

Definition of hole

Verb

Later that year, an intruder broke into the Pelosis’ San Francisco home and attacked Paul Pelosi with a hammer, fracturing his skull.

— Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 18 July 2026
The escalating standoff comes as the fragile truce reached last month has fractured, once again disrupting energy flows through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which typically handles around 20% of the world's oil traffic.

— Sam Meredith,Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 17 July 2026

Definition of fracture

Verb

Cary, torn between his own desires and others’ expectations, can’t seem to determine where his loyalties lie.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 15 July 2026
To have people tearing her down and making hurtful and untrue claims is bad enough but to drag her children into it is just beyond the pale.

— StyleCaster Editors, StyleCaster, 14 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

Browse Nearby Words

rifling

rift

rifted

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Rift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rift. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of rift

noun

verb

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