rift valley

noun

Definition of rift valleynext
as in canyon

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of rift valley The rift valleys of East Africa are some of the largest and most spectacular topographic features on Earth. — David Bressan, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025 There is a rift valley on the Rio Grande in the desert of New Mexico where an award-winning home sits. — Jennifer Castenson, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 Rather than having a central volcano, the Reykjanes Peninsula is dominated by a rift valley with lava fields and cones. — Alexandra Banner, CNN, 18 Mar. 2024 Valles Marineris is thought to be a rift valley, formed by uplift when hot material from the Mars's mantle bubbled up and stretched the planet's crust. — Discover Magazine, 20 Oct. 2010 See All Example Sentences for rift valley
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rift valley
  1. canyon
  2. gorge
  3. gulch
  4. valley
  5. ravine
  6. gully
  7. depression
  8. glen
Noun
  • And this week, our story about the dwindling water levels in Lake Powell, the country’s second-largest reservoir, shows breathtaking expanses of dry canyon plunging to a shrinking, narrow ribbon of teal green.
    — Stephanie Hanes, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The kitchen, for example, had overhead cabinets that blocked the views of the cliffs and canyons of Topanga State Park, which stretches just beyond the living room and deck.
    — Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of canyon
Noun
  • Most Popular Teide National Park, Tenerife Sprawled across the middle of this Canary island, Teide National Park is a jaw-dropping land of soaring heights and deep gorges, each as breathtaking as the next.
    — Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Everybody else walked out of the gorge under their own power, following a rope line that had been set up by Ouray Mountain Rescue.
    — Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of gorge
Noun
  • Plastic waste flutters and settles into gulches, catches in the fencing.
    — Cristina Dorador, The Dial, 14 July 2026
  • Head right, and there came public land, the Shasta-Trinity National Forest with its creeks and gulches and two-bit towns like Peanut and Beegum.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 June 2026
Definition of gulch
Noun
  • The predominant suites—all of which have generous outdoor space—are spread across four buildings whose Indonesian names translate to mountain, hill, plateau and valley.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The worst came during the early hours of July 28, when heavy rains fell on already soggy ground, running down steep hills into narrow river valleys — a perfect recipe for fast, devastating flooding.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of valley
Noun
  • The National Park and World Biosphere Reserve affords nearly 10 miles to hike amid towering ravine walls, flowing streams, and dense forests.
    — Jennifer Tzeses, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Many more were imperiled by muddy water racing through the narrow ravines, sparking frantic rescue missions for dozens.
    — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of ravine
Noun
  • Four rescuers used anchors and rope systems to reach Martin, secure him and guide him away from the steep gully.
    — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Hazlewood also captured Taijul Islam, taken at gully by Green for 17.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of gully
Noun
  • In April 2022, Wynonna and Ashley’s mother, Naomi Judd, died by suicide at 76 after a lifelong battle with depression.
    — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The drug has been associated in recent years with high-profile figures such as Elon Musk, who said it was prescribed to him to treat depression.
    — Violet Jira, Washington Post, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of depression
Noun
  • Set in the modern Scottish Highlands, Laird is an epic family saga in which a proud Scot defies a shadowy American billionaire (Sarsgaard) hellbent on buying up the glens.
    — Denise Petski, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The series will follow a local estate owner, the Laird of Castle Drummoch (Branagh), who challenges the ambitions of an American billionaire intent on buying up large swaths of the glens.
    — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 22 July 2026
Definition of glen

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Cite this Entry

“Rift valley.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rift%20valley. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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