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

Examples of chasm in a Sentence

a chasm in the ocean floor
Recent Examples on the Web For those who more naturally sympathize with the Israeli mother than the Gazan hiding from the bombs, these responses exist across that chasm Chen describes, one that empathy alone is incapable of bridging. Phil Klay, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2024 The night of the ceremony, Elodie is carried up the mountain behind the castle and tossed down a large dark chasm. Peter Debruge, Variety, 7 Mar. 2024 When Troy and Abed build their second big pillow fort, the prospect of breaking a Guinness World Record opens a chasm between them. Chancellor Agard, EW.com, 6 Mar. 2024 Yet students at rural colleges quickly learn that their diplomas will do little to close the chasm between their lives and those of the rich and powerful. Alma Guillermoprieto, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2024 Jakub’s pregnant wife back home, Lenka (Carey Mulligan), doesn’t know, and hasn’t for some time, even before physical distance widened the chasm between them. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2024 Their Brilliant Black Minds programs aims to bridge the chasm to opportunity through mentorship, networking opportunities and much more. Jasmine Browley, Essence, 10 Jan. 2024 Nonetheless, a significant chasm exists in ensuring dietary modification for those living with chronic health issues is more than just a New Year’s fad and that healthy food routinely finds its way into kitchen cupboards and ultimately onto plates. Gus Alexiou, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 The chasm between Adra’s and Abraham’s respective acquaintances with the conflict is pointedly underlined, too. Guy Lodge, Variety, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chasm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of chasm was circa 1594

Dictionary Entries Near chasm

Cite this Entry

“Chasm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chasm. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

chasm

noun
: a deep split or gap in the earth

More from Merriam-Webster on chasm

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