gulf
8 synonyms for gulf, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A large area of sea partly enclosed by land.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use gulf
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
gulf between
gulf of understanding
bridge the gulf
Etymology
From Old French golf, from Italian golfo, ultimately from Ancient Greek kolpos ("bosom, gulf").
Full origin of gulf →Frequently asked questions
What does “gulf” mean?
The word “gulf” means a large area of sea partly enclosed by land. In plain terms, a large inlet of the sea, or figuratively a big gap or difference between two things.
How do you pronounce “gulf”?
“Gulf” is pronounced guhlf (/ɡʌlf/ in IPA).
How do you use “gulf” in a sentence?
Here is “gulf” used in a sentence: “The Gulf of Mexico borders several US states.”
What part of speech is “gulf”?
“Gulf” is a noun.
Where does the word “gulf” come from?
The word “gulf” comes from Ancient Greek. From Old French golf, from Italian golfo, ultimately from Ancient Greek kolpos ("bosom, gulf").
Is “gulf” a common word?
“Gulf” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “gulf” have?
“Gulf” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large area of sea partly enclosed by land.
What is the difference between a "gulf" and a "bay"?
Both a gulf and a bay are areas of sea partly enclosed by land, but a gulf is usually larger and cuts more deeply into the coastline than a bay. In figurative use, "gulf" also means a wide gap or difference between people or groups, a sense that "bay" does not carry.
When should you use "gulf" instead of "gap" to describe a difference?
Use "gulf" when you want to stress that a difference is very wide and hard to bridge, as in "a gulf between rich and poor." "Gap" is more neutral and can describe smaller differences that are more easily closed.
Is "gulf" capitalised in names like the Gulf of Mexico?
Yes. When "Gulf" forms part of a specific place name such as the Gulf of Mexico or the Persian Gulf, it takes a capital G. When it refers generally to any large inlet of sea, it stays lowercase.
