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bluff

bluff

7.4
Very steep and high, like the edge of a cliff
  • adjective
  • /blʌf/
translation icon : escarpado
  • They built their home atop a bluff promontory for its stunning views.

Ever since we've been out here, we've been cruising to Amazon, which is like a bunch of different like curls and cuts and different bluff walls, but nothing like this.

Examples

  • A bluff escarpment towered over the valley below.

  • The hikers reached the edge of the bluff cliffs overlooking the sea.

  • The bluff cliffs were stunning.

  • Are those bluff rocks safe for climbing?

  • The hikers admired the view from the top of the bluff that dropped steeply into the ocean.

  • Standing on the edge of the bluff, she felt the wind rush past her face as she gazed down at the river below.

  • The children played near the bluff, fascinated by the steep drop and the view of the lush forest.

Synonyms

sheer
vsbluff
23 4.1

Very steep and almost vertical like a cliff face

is more about a prominent almost vertical front on a headland
bold
vsbluff
4 6.3

Very steep and almost straight up, like a cliff

focuses on a prominent almost vertical front of a headland
steep-sided
vsbluff
1 4.3

A thing with sides that rise almost straight up

focuses on a single prominent almost vertical front rather than multiple sides
clifflike
vsbluff
1 5.4

Very steep and high with a sharp drop at the edge

refers specifically to a prominent almost vertical front rather than general resemblance
cliffy
vsbluff
6.8

Full of steep cliffs and rocky edges

focuses on a single prominent almost vertical front rather than many edges
cliffed
vsbluff
7.0

A place with steep rock sides along its edge

describes a single prominent almost vertical front rather than multiple faces
steepish
vsbluff
5.7

A path or road with a fairly sharp slope

is much more vertical and prominent than a moderate slope

Antonyms

797 1.0

Level and even without parts higher or lower

27 1.0

Not steep and rising slowly

Idioms

2 6.3

Challenge someone to prove they are serious when you think they are not

Compounds

A game where a blindfolded player tries to catch and guess who touched them

How Steep

vertical
100 2.7
bluff
7.4
steep
131 2.5
sloping
3.1
gentle
27 1.0

Surface Forms

bluff positive

Etymology

Bluff As an adjective meaning very steep or nearly vertical, bluff comes from the same old idea of 'broad' or 'blunt' used to describe a big face of rock. So a bluff cliff is one with a strong, clear front that drops sharply down.