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

Charyn Canyon National Park harbors three other remarkable chasms: Moon Canyon, Red Canyon and Iron Canyon. —Joe Yogerst, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025

The contrast between them highlights a widening chasm between the two halves of her lives. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025

With Volkswagen profits falling in the past two years, the chasm between labor and management has widened. —Lenora Chu, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 Jan. 2025

The chasm between high- and lowbrow between those two shows notwithstanding, they should both be considered possibilities: The pedigree for Disclaimer and its star, Cate Blanchett, is just too strong, while the Emmys have a historical fondness for Ryan Murphy’s shows. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 22 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

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