1
as in fissures
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 gaps
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rifts
Michael O’Donnell, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026
Nicole Fallert here, bringing you the news to know on Wednesday, from lawmakers' rifts over ICE reforms to an ongoing search for Savannah Guthrie's mother.
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
Despite the recent overheated rhetoric and both real and apparent rifts and shifts between the States and Europe, the routine fashion-weeks encampments of the makers and their clients from all walks of life exhibit a rock-solid stability.
—Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
But Mullally’s appointment may deepen rifts within the Anglican Communion, whose 100 million members in 165 countries are deeply divided over issues such as the role of women and the treatment of LGBTQ people.
—Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Rather than just showing these thinkers reciting their greatest hits, the longform discussions showcase all of the contradictions (and occasional rifts) between members of the same movement.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 26 Jan. 2026
And perhaps just as importantly, Adelman’s primary assessment of the first 41 games was that the depth hasn’t created any rifts over playing time.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026
The radio tower group climbs up through one of the rifts and finds themselves on Vecna’s chaos planet.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 1 Jan. 2026
The story follows an all-new custom character — an Earth Directorate agent — tasked with uncovering what's causing destructive rifts that are spreading across the galaxy.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 26 Dec. 2025
Noun
The rifts among these friends—particularly between Lucas and Coppola—could be severe.
—Michael O’Donnell, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026
Nicole Fallert here, bringing you the news to know on Wednesday, from lawmakers' rifts over ICE reforms to an ongoing search for Savannah Guthrie's mother.
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
Despite the recent overheated rhetoric and both real and apparent rifts and shifts between the States and Europe, the routine fashion-weeks encampments of the makers and their clients from all walks of life exhibit a rock-solid stability.
—Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
But Mullally’s appointment may deepen rifts within the Anglican Communion, whose 100 million members in 165 countries are deeply divided over issues such as the role of women and the treatment of LGBTQ people.
—Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Rather than just showing these thinkers reciting their greatest hits, the longform discussions showcase all of the contradictions (and occasional rifts) between members of the same movement.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 26 Jan. 2026
And perhaps just as importantly, Adelman’s primary assessment of the first 41 games was that the depth hasn’t created any rifts over playing time.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026
The radio tower group climbs up through one of the rifts and finds themselves on Vecna’s chaos planet.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 1 Jan. 2026
The story follows an all-new custom character — an Earth Directorate agent — tasked with uncovering what's causing destructive rifts that are spreading across the galaxy.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 26 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rifts
Noun
-
Rupert Wyatt, the filmmaker behind Rise of the Planet of the Apes, was at the helm, exiting and returning to the project amid creative fissures.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Ice crystals—usually a hazard to vegetables—create small fissures in the surface.—
Anne Wolf,
Martha Stewart,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The study’s authors issued a broader call to action about the gaps in our understanding of biodiversity.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Designed to fill existing gaps Several MSR concepts are currently under development globally.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
After someone experiences a significant trauma to their body—such as a high-speed ski crash that fractures their leg—the surrounding muscles can rapidly bleed and swell.—
Claire Maldarelli,
Scientific American,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash As the Flynn family fractures under the strain of a failing open marriage and three daughters spiraling into dangerous secrets, their small coastal town is quietly dominated by a powerful shipping magnate no one dares to question.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Wipe thoroughly around the rubber seal with the dampened cloth, paying extra attention to any folds, seams, and hidden crevices.—
Caroline Lubinsky,
Martha Stewart,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The odor comes from food particles and bacteria trapped on the surface or in cracks and crevices.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
For most of Sunday, Bridgeman played golf stuck in neutral, par golf through 15 holes with nobody — not even McIlroy — truly providing pressure.—
Brody Miller,
New York Times,
23 Feb. 2026
-
McIlory remained steady, parring the final seven holes, but failed to gain ground.—
Steve Galluzzo,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
If the plaque within one of the coronary arteries suddenly ruptures, a blood clot forms on its surface.—
Colleen Doherty,
Verywell Health,
28 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Under her watch, Americans have been murdered in cold blood, DHS has obstructed lawful congressional oversight, dismissed credible reports of abuse, carried out an extreme agenda that tears families apart and destabilizes communities.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Catherine uplifted us in a world that often tears us down.—
Andrew Gelwicks,
Vogue,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The front lid appears to be barely hanging on by a thread, with cuts and gashes throughout.—
Staff Author,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Heupel spreads out his receivers in an attempt to spread out the defense, then gashes them with the run.—
Seth Emerson,
New York Times,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rifts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rifts. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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