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
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 airstrikes expose deepening rifts between Saudi Arabia and its former ally, as both compete for control and influence in Yemen’s civil war.
—Ahmed Al-Haj, Los Angeles Times, 3 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
Outside of his lair, the world looks barren and deserted, save for a few glowing red rifts in the ground where the world is connected to the Upside Down.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 25 Dec. 2025
More than a dozen employees at the Heritage Foundation left their posts over the weekend amid widening ideological rifts within the conservative movement and escalating internal tensions at the influential think tank.
—Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 22 Dec. 2025
Such a move will cause real rifts within the party.
—Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025
Noun
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 airstrikes expose deepening rifts between Saudi Arabia and its former ally, as both compete for control and influence in Yemen’s civil war.
—Ahmed Al-Haj, Los Angeles Times, 3 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
Outside of his lair, the world looks barren and deserted, save for a few glowing red rifts in the ground where the world is connected to the Upside Down.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 25 Dec. 2025
More than a dozen employees at the Heritage Foundation left their posts over the weekend amid widening ideological rifts within the conservative movement and escalating internal tensions at the influential think tank.
—Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 22 Dec. 2025
Such a move will cause real rifts within the party.
—Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rifts
Noun
-
The peak of Yosemite’s granite wall is higher than the tallest building in the world and requires climbers to navigate a maze of fissures, crevices and cracks.—
Alex Wigglesworth,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Jan. 2026
-
The fatal shooting sparked demonstrations nationwide and has deepened fissures between federal and state officials.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
20 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
But labor union officials disputed that, saying Newsom, whose budget did not include any suggestions to close gaps caused by the federal government’s steep cuts to Medi-Cal and a wide range of social services, isn’t coming up with other answers.—
Andrew Graham,
Sacbee.com,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Investors are responding to valuation gaps, earnings growth, and a world where capital and trade are increasingly multi directional.—
Krysta Escobar,
CNBC,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
Despite the victory, the partnership fractures off the ice.—
Isabella Wandermurem,
Time,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
These nocturnal insects are often found in warmer climates and can hide in household cracks, crevices, or even bedding.—
Jamie Cuccinelli,
Martha Stewart,
30 Jan. 2026
-
However, tucked within the crevices of this history, like always, are Black people and the things our experience plant and our politics grow.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The concern was because the final two holes were the most exposed on the course.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
2 Feb. 2026
-
That process involves collecting acorns and then pecking small holes in trees where they are stored for winter use.—
Ernie Cowan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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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
-
Catherine uplifted us in a world that often tears us down.—
Andrew Gelwicks,
Vogue,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Wielding his powers, Simon tears the cell bars away.—
JP Mangalindan,
Time,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
The pictures show scars and gashes around the dog's snout.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rifts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rifts. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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