abyss

noun

ə-ˈbis How to pronounce abyss (audio)
Definition of abyssnext
as in ocean
an immeasurable depth or space looking down at the dark ocean from the ship's rail, the cruise passenger felt as though he was staring into an abyss

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of abyss This week, Gracie Abrams pens a tearjerker on mother-daughter relationships, Steve Lacy escapes the abyss of a breakup on a colossal double track, and Beabadoobee contemplates risk and reward on a fuzzy new single. — Rolling Stone, 17 July 2026 Listen for the countdown of 3…2…1…before the trapdoor opens into the abyss. — Alicia Underlee Nelson, Midwest Living, 15 July 2026 This genius gap filler blocks that area and prevents clutter from accumulating in the hard-to-reach abyss. — Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 While the Kings have plenty on the flank after the February addition of Artemi Panarin, Kuzmenko was a positive contributor when healthy and trusted last season, while their needs in the middle are less of a hole and more of an abyss. — Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for abyss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abyss
  1. ocean
  2. chasm
  3. gulf
  4. expanse
  5. deep
Noun
  • Alexiou’s film feels defined by water, as the characters increasingly take to the ocean and stormy weather sets in from above.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The Pismo Beach Pier stretches out 1,200 feet into the ocean.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of ocean
Noun
  • Tom, however, is determined not to turn this into anything other than a need to have Willis crack the case and save Jake; the wide chasm between the two is apparent from the start and Tom certainly doesn’t want any reunion with his father.
    — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The primary reason for this chasm between psychiatry and the rest of medicine is that knowledge about the biological basis of mental disorders lags behind other medical disorders.
    — Anand Kumar, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of chasm
Noun
  • With the gulf not just a leader in global oil production, but also in fertilizer, the war has dealt a blow to farmers.
    — Matt Sedensky, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The attempt to rename the gulf, which has gone by the same name since the 16th Century, drew international opposition, and numerous media outlets vowed to stick with the common and internationally recognized usage.
    — Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of gulf
Noun
  • Pale stone, dramatically veined marble, warm wood and expanses of mirror are found throughout the flagship, with linear lighting integrated into ceilings and fixtures.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Curving terraces wrap around the structure, while large expanses of glass provide sweeping views over the landscape.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of expanse
Noun
  • His top returning receiver, Tanook Hines, is sitting out with an injury to start camp, while the rest of the pass-catcher two-deep is made up of either freshmen or transfers.
    — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Hudson went on to speak about the depth of the water in the area where their boat was, saying that towards the stern, the water was about waist-deep, but towards the bow, the water was deeper.
    — Adam England, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026
Definition of deep

Browse Nearby Words

abysms
abyss
abyssal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Abyss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abyss. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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