Cliff — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈklif/

Meaning & Definition of Cliff

Cliff (noun)

  1. a very steep, vertical, or overhanging face of rock, earth, or ice, precipice

Cliff (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a steep wall of rock, earth, or ice

    "the cliff rises 200 feet from the island's south shore"

    similar: barranca, bluff, crag, escarpment, palisade, precipice, scar, scarp
    related: butte, cuesta, hogback, tor, bulwark, embankment, declivity, drop-off, pitch

Related Entry: Cliff-hanger (noun)

Cliff-hanger is a different word from Cliff. The synonyms below are for cliff-hanger, not for cliff.

  1. something (as a close contest) that induces much suspense as to its outcome

    "finally, a Super Bowl game that turned out to be a real cliff-hanger"

    similar: hair-raiser, nail-biter, suspenser, thriller
    related: photo finish, squeaker
    near: yawner, blowout

Related Entry: Cliff dweller (noun)

Cliff dweller is a different word from Cliff. The synonyms below are for cliff dweller, not for cliff.

  1. as in resident, resider

    similar: denizen, dweller, habitant, inhabitant, national, native, occupant, resident, resider, subject, townswoman, town, townsfolk, townspeople, burgher, citizen, townie, townsman, villager, suburbanite, urbanite
    opposite: noncitizen, alien, foreigner, guest, nonnative, tourist, transient, visitor, gownsman

Related Entry: Cliff dwellers (noun)

Cliff dwellers is a different word from Cliff. The synonyms below are for cliff dwellers, not for cliff.

  1. as in residents, residers

    similar: denizens, dwellers, habitants, inhabitants, nationals, natives, occupants, residents, residers, subjects, townswomen, towns, townsfolk, townspeople, burghers, citizens, townies, townsmen, villagers, suburbanites, urbanites
    opposite: noncitizens, aliens, foreigners, guests, nonnatives, tourists, transients, visitors, gownsmen

Related Entry: Cliff-hangers (noun)

Cliff-hangers is a different word from Cliff. The synonyms below are for cliff-hangers, not for cliff.

  1. something (as a close contest) that induces much suspense as to its outcome

    "finally, a Super Bowl game that turned out to be a real cliff-hanger"

    similar: hair-raisers, nail-biters, suspensers, thrillers
    related: photo finishes, squeakers
    near: yawners, blowouts

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Cliff

The most common words with a similar meaning to Cliff:

barranca, bluff, crag, escarpment, palisade, precipice, scar, scarp

Related Words for Cliff

butte, cuesta, hogback, tor, bulwark, embankment, declivity, drop-off, pitch

Word Forms of Cliff

Derived words: cliffy (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Cliff

Middle English clif, from Old English; akin to Old High German klep cliff, Old Norse klif

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Cliff

Words & Phrases Containing Cliff

cliff dweller, cliff-hanger, cliff swallow

Frequently Asked Questions about Cliff

What does "Cliff" mean?

"Cliff" means a very steep, vertical, or overhanging face of rock, earth, or ice, precipice. As a noun, it is defined as: a very steep, vertical, or overhanging face of rock, earth, or ice, precipice.

What is another word for "Cliff"?

Other words for "Cliff" include barranca, bluff, crag, escarpment, palisade, precipice, scar and scarp. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Cliff" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Cliff"?

There are 17 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Cliff". Common alternatives include barranca, bluff, crag, escarpment, palisade, precipice, scar and scarp.

How do you use "Cliff" in a sentence?

Examples of "Cliff" in a sentence: "the cliff rises 200 feet from the island's south shore".

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

"Cliff" is a noun.

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

As a B2-level word, "Cliff" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Cliff"?

"Cliff" is pronounced /ˈklif/.

What is the origin of the word "Cliff"?

"Cliff" comes from Middle English clif, from Old English; akin to Old High German klep cliff, Old Norse klif. First known use: before 12th century.