gulf

A large area of sea that reaches into the land.

• The ship crossed the gulf.
• Fishing boats lined the shore of the gulf.
• Several rivers flow into this gulf.

Similar words: bay

Common phrases: gulf coast, gulf waters, gulf of mexico

A large difference or distance between people, groups, or ideas.

• A gulf separates their opinions.
• Education can help bridge the gulf between rich and poor.
• The gulf between the two generations grew wider.

How to use it: gulf between A and B (There is a gulf between their lifestyles.)

Similar words: gap, divide, distance

Common phrases: gulf between people, bridge the gulf, a widening gulf

A very deep, wide opening in the ground.

• A deep gulf lay below.
• He peered over the cliff into the dark gulf.
• The bridge stretched across a gulf between the rocks.

Similar words: chasm, abyss

Common phrases: deep gulf, dark gulf, gulf below

Something, such as swirling water, that pulls things in so they cannot escape.

• The boat vanished into the swirling gulf.
• The gulf of waters swallowed the wreckage.
• Sailors feared the devouring gulf near the rocks.

Similar words: whirlpool, vortex

Common phrases: swirling gulf, devouring gulf, gulf of waters

To surround and completely cover or swallow something.

• The waves gulf the boat.
• Darkness gulfed the valley as night fell.
• The rising flood threatened to gulf the village.

Similar words: engulf, swallow up

Common phrases: gulf a ship, gulf the shore, gulf in darkness