1
a
: an immeasurably deep gulf or great space
gazed down into the gaping abyss
the ocean's abysses
(figurative) a widening abyss between the rich and the poor
b
: intellectual or moral depths
an abyss of moral depravity
an abyss of despair
2
: the bottomless gulf, pit, or chaos of the old cosmogonies
Examples of abyss in a Sentence
looking down at the dark ocean from the ship's rail, the cruise passenger felt as though he was staring into an abyss
Recent Examples on the Web
She’s headed back into the abyss and that cycle of suffering and escape and return that’s moved and frustrated viewers across the years.
—
Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 27 May 2025
Technology was seen as both salvation and abyss, a force capable of transcending human limits, but also one that could eclipse the human altogether.
—Amir Husain, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Antisemitism, hatred and terrorism must be stopped, lest our civilization fall into the abyss.
—Diane Gensler, Baltimore Sun, 26 May 2025
But the idyll of her dreams bring her closer to the abyss.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for abyss
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Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 27 May 2025
Technology was seen as both salvation and abyss, a force capable of transcending human limits, but also one that could eclipse the human altogether.
—Amir Husain, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Antisemitism, hatred and terrorism must be stopped, lest our civilization fall into the abyss.
—Diane Gensler, Baltimore Sun, 26 May 2025
But the idyll of her dreams bring her closer to the abyss.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for abyss
Cite this Entry
“Abyss.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abyss. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
abyss
noun
: a gulf so deep or a space so great that it cannot be measured
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