GULF Synonyms: 158 Similar and Opposite Words

gulf 1 of 2

noun

ˈgəlf

Definition of gulf

as in bay

a part of a body of water that extends beyond the general shoreline we dipped our feet in the warm waters of the gulf

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Relevance

as in abyss

an immeasurable depth or space the gulf of understanding between the two men was too wide for them to ever get along

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as in canyon

a narrow opening between hillsides or mountains that can be used for passage the gulf was too wide to cross, so we had to hike down into it and go through it

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as in gap

an open space in a barrier (as a wall or hedge) a wide gulf in the defensive wall meant the city was in grave danger

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as in vortex

water moving rapidly in a circle with a hollow in the center the doomed ship was sucked into the gulf and consigned to Davy Jones's locker

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gulf

2 of 2

verb

as in to flood

to cover with a flood with the administration gulfed by so many real problems, it's absurd for the president to concern himself with this nonissue

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 gulf

Noun

The tournament has largely been a success from the football side, but the gulf in quality between teams has been notable at times, with individual errors rife. — Mark Carey, New York Times, 28 June 2026 Located in the gulf between Oman and Iran, the Strait of Hormuz is recognized as one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints. — Anniek Bao,sam Meredith, CNBC, 26 June 2026 The tactical posture, starting in a 5-4-1 and allowing Turkiye the majority of the ball, certainly wasn’t much surprise given the gulf in technical quality between the squads. — Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 Hamad Hussain, climate and commodities economist at Capital Economics, pointed out in a separate note Monday that tankers need to fill up on gulf supplies in order for shut-in production to restart. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for gulf

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gulf

Noun

For a more upscale setting to sip cocktails, order caviar, and watch the sunset, visit Skybar at Hôtel Byblos, a rooftop that opened in 2025 and overlooks the bay.

— Karli Poliziani, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026
Austria had one good look — a header that just missed — but largely been kept at bay.

— Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026

Definition of bay

Noun

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

Definition of abyss

Noun

Flames crossed west over the Dolores River and made a push up the canyon and onto the rim, Operations Section Chief Toby Cook said in an update Saturday morning.

— Katie Langford, Denver Post, 4 July 2026
Well over four million people visit each year, so those looking to avoid the masses may want to consider heading to the less-popular North Rim of the canyon.

— Josh Laskin, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026

Definition of canyon

Noun

Actress Mariska Hargitay, who joined Swift courtside at Madison Square Garden during Game 4 of the NBA Finals, appears to have one notable gap in her Broadway schedule.

— Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026
By the end of the match, the vast gap in the teams’ rankings had been reduced to only one goal.

— Tim Rohan, NBC news, 4 July 2026

Definition of gap

Verb

News of his death – one example of the political violence roiling America in recent years – quickly went global, with graphic videos flooding social media and politicians on both sides of the aisle swiftly condemning the killing.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Video from the store's security camera captured the collapse, showing a portion of the roof fall near the bakery section as a deluge of water flooded the interior.

— Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 6 July 2026

Definition of flood

Noun

In the areas near the mouths of the rivers and the estuary, there is permanent signage with warnings and restrictive cordoning, the police noted.

— Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
Among the dishes is blue crab plucked from the water tableside, then served rillette-style using fat from the restaurant’s estuaries.

— Jamila Robinson, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 June 2026

Definition of estuary

Browse Nearby Words

gulches

gulf

gulfed

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Style

“Gulf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gulf. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of gulf

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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