cleft
5 synonyms and 1 antonym for cleft, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A narrow opening, crack, or V-shaped gap, especially in rock or in part of the body.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A narrow opening, crack, or V-shaped gap, especially in rock or in part of the body.
“A small stream ran through a cleft in the hillside.”
How to use cleft
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
cleft chin
cleft lip
cleft in the rock
Etymology
From Old English geclyft, related to "cleave" (to split) — a cleft is literally something that has been cloven.
Full origin of cleft →Frequently asked questions
What does “cleft” mean?
The word “cleft” means a narrow opening, crack, or V-shaped gap, especially in rock or in part of the body. In plain terms, a split, crack, or notch — used for rock formations, chins, and certain birth conditions like cleft lip/palate.
How do you pronounce “cleft”?
“Cleft” is pronounced KLEHFT (/ˈklɛft/ in IPA).
How do you use “cleft” in a sentence?
Here is “cleft” used in a sentence: “A small stream ran through a cleft in the hillside.”
What part of speech is “cleft”?
Depending on how it is used, “cleft” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “cleft” come from?
The word “cleft” comes from Old English. From Old English geclyft, related to "cleave" (to split) — a cleft is literally something that has been cloven.
How many meanings does “cleft” have?
“Cleft” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a narrow opening, crack, or V-shaped gap, especially in rock or in part of the body.
