SYNONYMS AND RELATED EXPRESSIONS
rift
noun
A split, gap, or serious disagreement.
Local English device voice, when available. This is not a recorded dictionary pronunciation.
Serious division
Closest synonyms
Related words and expressions
These extend or explain the idea and may require a different sentence structure.
Usage distinction
Return to topA rift can be a separation or deterioration in relations. Feud emphasizes continuing hostility, while schism often involves formal division within a group.
Physical opening
Closest synonyms
Related words and expressions
These extend or explain the idea and may require a different sentence structure.
Usage distinction
Return to topRift emphasizes separation between parts. Chasm suggests a much larger or deeper opening, while fracture describes the break itself.
CHECK THE MEANING IN CONTEXT
See rift in use
The dispute caused a rift between the two clubs.
One faction wanted a low price that welcomed more students, while another favored a higher price to support later screenings. The resulting rift had begun to affect unrelated club meetings, with members dismissing proposals based on who suggested them.
Compare an alternative with the original word in each passage. Shared meanings do not make every pair interchangeable.
Synonym reference scope and sources
The groups distinguish the senses selected for this study entry. Closest synonyms and broader related expressions have separate labels. The listed sources support lexical selection; not every phrase is a direct quotation from a source.
How the synonym reference was prepared / WordNet 3.0 license