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

Having just driven from Portland, Ore., to Seattle in the wee hours of the morning, Castro was contending with a central theme of her album in real time: the chasm between her dreams and the limits of her corporeal form. —Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025

The difference in revenue between Bodø/Glimt and Spurs shows the financial chasm between the clubs. —Robert Kidd, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

Sure, there was an increased sense of desperation considering the prospects of facing a 3-0 chasm in the series. —Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025

Here are three tips to cross the chasm and digitally transform operations: Shift mindsets toward efficiency and scale. —Giuseppe Incitti, Forbes, 20 Mar. 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