Cleft — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun adjective /ˈkleft/

Meaning & Definition of Cleft

Cleft (noun)

  1. a space or opening made by or as if by splitting, fissure
  2. a usually V-shaped indented formation, a hollow between ridges or protuberances

Cleft (adjective)

  1. partially split or divided; specifically, divided about halfway to the midrib

Cleft (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. an irregular usually narrow break in a surface created by pressure

    "my fishing line managed to get wedged in a cleft in the rocks"

    similar: check, chink, crack, cranny, crevice, fissure, rift, split
    related: crevasse, craze, hairline, fracture, rupture, breach, gap, opening, cut, gash, incision, slit

Related Entry: Cleave (verb)

Cleave is a different word from Cleft. The synonyms below are for cleave, not for cleft.

  1. to hold to something firmly as if by adhesion

    "you should resolutely cleave to the facts in your report"

    similar: adhere, cling, hew, stick
    related: bind, cohere, fasten, fuse, glue, unite
    near: loosen, drop, fall

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Cleft

The most common words with a similar meaning to Cleft:

check, chink, crack, cranny, crevice, fissure, rift, split

Related Words for Cleft

crevasse, craze, hairline, fracture, rupture, breach, gap, opening, cut, gash, incision, slit

Origin & Etymology of Cleft

Middle English clift, from Old English geclyft; akin to Old English clēofan to cleave

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Cleft

Words & Phrases Containing Cleft

cleft lip, cleft palate, gill cleft

Frequently Asked Questions about Cleft

What does "Cleft" mean?

"Cleft" means a space or opening made by or as if by splitting, fissure. As an a noun and an adjective, it is defined as: a space or opening made by or as if by splitting, fissure.

What is another word for "Cleft"?

Other words for "Cleft" include check, chink, crack, cranny, crevice, fissure, rift and split. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Cleft" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Cleft"?

There are 20 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Cleft". Common alternatives include check, chink, crack, cranny, crevice, fissure, rift and split.

How do you use "Cleft" in a sentence?

Examples of "Cleft" in a sentence: "my fishing line managed to get wedged in a cleft in the rocks".

Is "Cleft" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Cleft" can be used as a noun and an adjective, depending on the context.

Is "Cleft" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Cleft" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Cleft"?

"Cleft" is pronounced /ˈkleft/.

What is the origin of the word "Cleft"?

"Cleft" comes from Middle English clift, from Old English geclyft; akin to Old English clēofan to cleave. First known use: 14th century.