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

• abysm
• abyss
• deep
• gulf
• ocean

Examples of chasm in a Sentence

a chasm in the ocean floor

Recent Examples on the Web

The departures widen the chasm with Europe, where companies are pushed to adopt stricter climate targets and increase disclosures of climate risks. —Eshe Nelson, New York Times, 20 Jan. 2025

In November, a chasm opened in the middle of one of the most popular online reading spaces. —Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 19 Jan. 2025

The experience illustrated the chasm between the way utilities communicate about environmental responsibility and the way consumers live it. —Andrew Heath, The Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2025

The Loper decision aftershocks do have the potential to create a chasm in judicial philosophy, one that prioritizes legislative precision on the one side over administrative discretion on the other. —Eric Reicin, Forbes, 14 Jan. 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

Kids Definition

chasm

noun

ˈkaz-əm 

: a deep split or gap in the earth