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

An all-male, celibate hierarchy is making the rules, and there’s this chasm between what Catholics believe in practice and what the church is teaching. —USA TODAY, 20 Apr. 2024

For decades, the government has spent billions of dollars to try to narrow this chasm, only to stumble amid fierce industry lobbying and complicated market forces. —Tony Romm, Washington Post, 15 Apr. 2024

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