as in fissure
an irregular usually narrow break in a surface created by pressure
my fishing line managed to get wedged in a cleft in the rocks
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 cleft
Now that she’s become well known not only for her art and fashion, but for being a cleft advocate, speaking around the country about her experience with a cleft lip and palate, Glasses has been traveling a lot for personal appearances, which leaves precious little time for weaving.
—
Booth Moore, WWD, 29 Oct. 2024
This bacteria is commonly carried in the nostrils, between the legs, in the armpits, and in the cleft between the buttocks.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 27 Sep. 2024
And a deep cleft, like something left by a hatchet,
above the bridge of my nose.
—Forrest Gander, The New York Review of Books, 12 Sep. 2024
The trail covers some of the most scenic and unforgiving terrain in North America, following a narrow path past granite clefts and through forests of towering Ponderosa pines, fir, cedar and oak trees.
—Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for cleft
Booth Moore, WWD, 29 Oct. 2024
This bacteria is commonly carried in the nostrils, between the legs, in the armpits, and in the cleft between the buttocks.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 27 Sep. 2024
And a deep cleft, like something left by a hatchet,
above the bridge of my nose.
—Forrest Gander, The New York Review of Books, 12 Sep. 2024
The trail covers some of the most scenic and unforgiving terrain in North America, following a narrow path past granite clefts and through forests of towering Ponderosa pines, fir, cedar and oak trees.
—Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for cleft
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleft
Noun
-
That’s still true in the fully postindustrial parts of the city, though in a way that bespeaks new fissures.—
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
21 May 2025
-
Volcanic eruptions typically occur when magma below a volcano surges into subsurface pockets called magma chambers, then escapes to the surface through vents and fissures.—
Mindy Weisberger,
CNN Money,
5 May 2025
Noun
-
The vacuum also comes with a crevice tool to target curtains, upholstery, and more.—
Toni Sutton,
People.com,
22 May 2025
-
These included an extension wand and crevice tool, wide standard head, smaller upholstery tool, dusting brush, battery, charger, and mount.—
Stewart Savin,
Architectural Digest,
20 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cleft.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleft. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share