WATERSHED Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

watershed 1 of 2

noun

ˈwȯ-tər-ˌshed

Definition of watershed

as in milestone

a point in a chain of events at which an important change (as in one's fortunes) occurs a watershed moment in her life came when she inherited a reasonable sum of money and was able to start her own coffee shop

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

watershed

2 of 2

adjective

as in pivotal

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of watershed

Noun

While 25 million people rely on watersheds influenced by IRAs, dependency varies by state. — Simmone Shah, Time, 15 July 2026 Splash’s main program is a 13-lesson science curriculum that teaches students about Sacramento’s unique ecosystem, the invertebrates found in vernal pools, watersheds and water pollution, CEO Mackenzie Wieser said. — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 5 July 2026

Adjective

One of the biggest off-pitch stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup was the watershed moment for the rest of the world that was the discovery of ranch dressing. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026 The watershed decision triggered a period of political instability and economic upheaval that is still being felt a decade later. — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for watershed

Recent Examples of Synonyms for watershed

Noun

Developers say the bridge's removal marks a major milestone for the Portsmouth Square Improvement Project, adding 20,000 square feet of usable park space.

— Maddie White, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
Butterfly Bash was introduced as the signature celebration of the milestone year.

— Sophia Buonpane, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of milestone

Adjective

The Emerging Native Arts Grant is awarded twice a year and provides direct funding, mentorship, and visibility to Native and Indigenous artists at a pivotal stage in their careers.

— News Desk, Artforum, 31 July 2026
Trump’s endorsement proved pivotal for Masterson, securing his status as the presumptive front-runner in the primary race.

— Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026

Definition of pivotal

Noun

Moving the climax from the open waters of the Cape Fear River to the family's backyard pool marks a decisive break from previous film adaptations.

— JP Mangalindan, Time, 31 July 2026
Perversely for a film with a two-hour-and-25-minute running time, the climax still feels rushed.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026

Definition of climax

Adjective

The former touts Mohamed Salah, an epochal star with ample motivation after his fraught final campaign with Liverpool.

— Christopher Hamill, New York Times, 15 June 2026
The Cane Ridge Revival would become an epochal moment in American religious history, one of the most visible manifestations of what historians would later refer to as the Second Great Awakening.

— Michael Luo, New Yorker, 14 June 2026

Definition of epochal

Noun

July brought a wave of restaurant news to the Fort Worth area, from the reopening of a beloved 80-year-old Denton County landmark to the closure of eight local eateries.

— Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
Ten years on, the Philippines' landmark victory against China in the South China Sea Arbitration remains a critical international legal precedent.

— Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026

Definition of landmark

Adjective

Higher humidity, cooler temperatures and some drizzle raised hopes that Thursday could be a decisive step on the way to vanquishing the fire.

— CBS News, CBS News, 30 July 2026
The quick, decisive defeat marked Rome’s final domination of the peninsula and solidified their influence over regional trade and military routes.

— Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 July 2026

Definition of decisive

Adjective

And this being France’s national flag carrier, meal time is its own momentous event.

— Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
And such momentous changes as bringing back Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator and the Chiefs signing Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III to revive their running game heralded Reid’s recognition of the moment.

— Vahe Gregorian July 31, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026

Definition of momentous

Browse Nearby Words

waters down

watershed

watersheds

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Watershed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watershed. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of watershed

noun

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on watershed

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

highfalutin

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly

Popular in Wordplay

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes