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
Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026
The carbon released by tectonic rifts may have had a larger role in driving major climate transitions than that released by tectonic convergences.
—Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
Within the locker room, the disagreements over initial vote left rifts.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 19 Mar. 2026
Some creators and observers say the disproportionate influence of voices outside of Iran has exacerbated deep rifts in the diaspora, which includes about 750,000 people in the United States, according to the Pew Research Center.
—ABC News, 17 Mar. 2026
This is a story of family, friends, neighbors — their bonds and their rifts.
—Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 12 Mar. 2026
Not all friendships rifts are permanent.
—Literary Hub, 11 Mar. 2026
More recently, rifts have emerged over the war with Iran.
—Sarah Kallis, NPR, 10 Mar. 2026
At the same time, some Iranian Americans have openly welcomed the killing of Iran’s supreme leader and called for regime change, reflecting deep rifts within the diaspora over the conflict.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
Her appointment may deepen rifts within the Anglican Communion, whose members are deeply divided over issues such as the role of women and the treatment of LGBTQ+ people.
—Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026
The carbon released by tectonic rifts may have had a larger role in driving major climate transitions than that released by tectonic convergences.
—Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
Within the locker room, the disagreements over initial vote left rifts.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 19 Mar. 2026
Some creators and observers say the disproportionate influence of voices outside of Iran has exacerbated deep rifts in the diaspora, which includes about 750,000 people in the United States, according to the Pew Research Center.
—ABC News, 17 Mar. 2026
This is a story of family, friends, neighbors — their bonds and their rifts.
—Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 12 Mar. 2026
Not all friendships rifts are permanent.
—Literary Hub, 11 Mar. 2026
More recently, rifts have emerged over the war with Iran.
—Sarah Kallis, NPR, 10 Mar. 2026
At the same time, some Iranian Americans have openly welcomed the killing of Iran’s supreme leader and called for regime change, reflecting deep rifts within the diaspora over the conflict.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 3 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rifts
Noun
-
Cracks and fissures are being monitored on several walls, ceilings and facades throughout the hall.—
Zachary Hansen,
AJC.com,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Miles and Ed are coming at the challenges of Mars-Earth relations and Marsie autonomy from totally different angles, and there are clearly fissures within SDM itself.—
Sophie Brookover,
Vulture,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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And in South Florida groups have stepped in to support migrants navigating complicated immigration processes, from deportation to self-deportation, often filling gaps left by government systems.—
Lauren Costantino,
Miami Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
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Experts have also said America’s broader retirement system earns just a C-plus grade, with persistent gaps in coverage, savings adequacy, and longevity protection.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
South America fractures into a puzzle of fjords and channels at the southernmost tip of the continent, the Brunswick Peninsula, in Chile’s Magallanes Region, where the future park will protect temperate rainforests, shrublands, and vast carbon-capturing peat bogs.—
Mark Johanson,
Outside,
14 Mar. 2026
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When ambitious young athlete Jamal (SwagBoyQ) enters her life and confronts the dangerous world around her, everything fractures.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Or are there answers to find in its crevices?—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
3 Apr. 2026
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For furniture and home decor with nooks and crannies, invest in a dusting brush that can reach the crevices.—
Sunshine Flint,
Architectural Digest,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Nelly Korda birdied her final two holes to shoot a 69 to move to 5 under and in second place, setting up a final pairing of friendly rivals.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
5 Apr. 2026
-
These small black beetles chew holes in leaves and stunt the plants.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
5 Apr. 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
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And this collision is very intense, but full of life and disobedience, and ruptures morality.—
Scott Feinberg,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Sep. 2019
Verb
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If the oyster tears slightly, don’t panic; flavor matters much more than perfection.—
Rai Mincey,
Southern Living,
10 Mar. 2026
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His scientist creator, Victor Frankenstein, reluctantly agrees, but at the last moment tears the unfinished mate limb from limb as the creature watches on in horror.—
Leah Dolan,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The front lid appears to be barely hanging on by a thread, with cuts and gashes throughout.—
Staff Author,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Feb. 2026
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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 6 Apr. 2026.
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