fault lines is not in our dictionary (yet). Here's what it could mean:
Confidence: high
Results generated using artificial intelligence.
noun
- A fracture or zone of fractures in the earth's crust, where displacement of rock has occurred, often leading to earthquakes.
- A metaphorical division or point of disagreement within a group or system that is likely to cause conflict or difficulty.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Traditional voting patterns, political experts agree, are unraveling as L.A.’s mounting housing costs create new political fault lines in this city of 3.9 million.
From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2026
More than a million pilgrims have poured into Saudi Arabia from across the world for the annual Hajj in Mecca, braving a war that has laid bare the Middle East’s modern fault lines.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 23, 2026
Thesaurus
Possible Synonyms
Words in our thesaurus
other words
- culture clash
- stress fractures
- the real drama
- weak spots
- breaking points
Possible Antonyms
Words in our thesaurus
other words
- strong bonds
- on the same page
- unbreakable link
- the sweet spot
