chasm

noun

ˈka-zəm 

1

: a deep cleft in the surface of a planet (such as the earth) : gorge

built a bridge over the chasm

2

: a marked division, separation, or difference

the chasm between the rich and the poor

Synonyms of chasm

• abyss
• ocean

Examples of chasm in a Sentence

a chasm in the ocean floor

Recent Examples on the Web

The chasm on the scoreboard was only slightly wider than the way the two programs operate. —Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 19 Nov. 2025

The planned launch of the Aave app comes as the chasm between traditional finance companies and crypto-native startups is growing smaller. —Ben Weiss, Fortune, 17 Nov. 2025

The Arabic word sirāt can refer to, among other things, the razor-thin bridge that leads, over the chasm of Hell, to paradise—a heavy burden of eschatological significance, but the film shoulders it lightly. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 14 Nov. 2025

This gap used to be the most unbreachable chasm in marketing. —Jason Barnard, Rolling Stone, 12 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin chasma, from Greek; akin to Latin hiare to yawn — more at yawn

First Known Use

circa 1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for chasm

• bronchospasm
• cytoplasm
• ectoplasm
• neoplasm
• protoplasm
• vasospasm
• chiasm
• germplasm
• phantasm
• sarcasm
• enthusiasm
• iconoclasm

Kids Definition

chasm

noun

ˈkaz-əm 

: a deep split or gap in the earth