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
Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2025
Establishing ground rules ahead of time can hopefully help avoid hurt feelings, which can grow into deeper rifts over time and have negative effects on children and potentially rob them of a fruitful relationship with their grandparents.
—Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 27 Aug. 2025
The search for Sarah reveals deep intergenerational rifts between the women in their family.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 25 Aug. 2025
Amanda and Gus begin to thaw out their icy relationship and Amanda and sister Mae repair mend the rifts between them as well.
—Staff Author, Southern Living, 16 Aug. 2025
The Democratic Party is venturing into uncharted territory on Israel as deepening rifts emerge between longtime Zionist allies and a growing faction of lawmakers openly critical of the war in Gaza.
—Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 8 Aug. 2025
While the past few months have highlighted rifts that time has yet to heal, Juvenile’s stance underscores a deeper desire — one rooted in decades of brotherhood and shared history — to see the Hot Boys move forward together rather than fall apart.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
Later level and Ankou rifts (secret battle stages) require adept knowledge of the game’s overlapping combat systems.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2025
Establishing ground rules ahead of time can hopefully help avoid hurt feelings, which can grow into deeper rifts over time and have negative effects on children and potentially rob them of a fruitful relationship with their grandparents.
—Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 27 Aug. 2025
The search for Sarah reveals deep intergenerational rifts between the women in their family.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 25 Aug. 2025
Amanda and Gus begin to thaw out their icy relationship and Amanda and sister Mae repair mend the rifts between them as well.
—Staff Author, Southern Living, 16 Aug. 2025
The Democratic Party is venturing into uncharted territory on Israel as deepening rifts emerge between longtime Zionist allies and a growing faction of lawmakers openly critical of the war in Gaza.
—Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 8 Aug. 2025
While the past few months have highlighted rifts that time has yet to heal, Juvenile’s stance underscores a deeper desire — one rooted in decades of brotherhood and shared history — to see the Hot Boys move forward together rather than fall apart.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rifts
Noun
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Israel's devastating attack on Gaza, which has killed more than 62,000 Palestinians, including over 18,000 children, is exposing deep ideological fissures on the American Right.—
Faisal Kutty,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Aug. 2025
-
Vegetation also can conceal deep fissures and cracks.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
19 Aug. 2025
Noun
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While established names from the local reggae scene headline the main stage, Bohannon continues to build space for emerging talent and bridging generational and cultural gaps across Kansas City’s evolving creative landscape.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
6 Sep. 2025
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The new laws aim to address gaps in disaster preparedness by improving camp safety and streamlining the emergency response.—
Rebekah Riess,
CNN Money,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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If the community fractures over which path to take, and no consensus emerges, adoption may be stalled.—
Korok Ray,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
-
As a result of the attack, the woman had three stab wounds to her left leg, one to her right leg, fractures to her left rib and right pinky finger, bruises, trauma to her left forearm, and blunt force injuries to her head and face, leaving both eyes swollen shut, the release said.—
Courier-News,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Remove the cushions and vacuum both sides and the crevices where the back and sides join.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
6 Sep. 2025
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Pests can make their way into these small crevices easily, so keeping your appliances clean and free of food will prevent bugs from feasting in your kitchen.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Lawyers at Walsh Gallegos coordinated two releases of emails and other documents on behalf of the school board, but CNN reported how gaping holes remained, surprising and angering board members.—
Shimon Prokupecz,
CNN Money,
9 Sep. 2025
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Eighteen holes away from his first collegiate win, the possibility felt real.—
Zach Sweet,
Kansas City Star,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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But as the war tears at civilian life, Sashi’s four brothers and their friend K are pulled into the conflict.—
Eliana Ramage
September 4,
Literary Hub,
4 Sep. 2025
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Bad Bunny plays Colorado, the drug ring leader, and Regina King is a crooked NY cop who tears the protagonist’s ordinary life apart.—
Malik Peay,
Essence,
27 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The pictures show scars and gashes around the dog's snout.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Aug. 2025
Verb
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But Thing, who Isaac had sewn back onto his arm, regains his autonomy and rips Isaac’s heart out.—
Selome Hailu,
Variety,
5 Sep. 2025
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Roberts brings a jolt of invigorating fury to one of the movie’s strongest scenes, in which the mentor rips into her mentee in public on a campus square with a fully detailed character assassination.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
29 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rifts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rifts. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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