Synonyms of estuary

estuary

noun

ˈes-chə-ˌwer-ē 

as in bay

a part of a body of water that extends beyond the general shoreline

the city sits on the shores of a deep estuary where the Hudson River meets the Atlantic Ocean

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bay
• firth
• cove
• loch
• gulf
• inlet
• creek
• embayment
• port
• fjord
• harbor
• bight
• arm
• bayou
• sound
• roadstead
• strait
• narrow
• road(s)
• backwater
• slough

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of estuary

Rising Tide Explorers leads ecotours of the mangrove islands, estuaries, and marshes that surround Marco Island. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2026

When these modern ships rotate in the turning basin – the nautical equivalent of a three-point turn – there is often less than 150 feet of clearance between each side of the estuary, according to the Port of Oakland. — Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 28 Aug. 2026

Although the brackish estuary’s health is improving somewhat — particularly in the Mosquito Lagoon — the entire system remains impaired by pollution, including from septic tanks and wastewater spills. — Molly Duerig, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2026

At these levels, Mosquito Lagoon will no longer be an estuary but be our new ocean beach. — Jay Reddick, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026