as in ditch
a long narrow channel dug in the earth
dug a trench and filled it with water in an attempt to keep the forest fire off her property
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of trench
Separation is accomplished by building elevated tracks, like Metrorail in Miami, or building tunnels or trenches to take trains below street level.
—
Brittany Wallman, Miami Herald, 18 Dec. 2025
Each robot can operate independently or physically connect with others to handle obstacles such as steps, gaps, trenches, and ledges.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 16 Dec. 2025
The river tumbles and seethes through 278 miles of Grand Canyon National Park, taking its geologic time in carving a trench now deeper than a mile.
—Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 15 Dec. 2025
That's where the Pacific Plate beneath Japan forms the two trenches — the Japan Trench and Chishima Trench — that have caused many large quakes in the past.
—CBS News, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for trench
Brittany Wallman, Miami Herald, 18 Dec. 2025
Each robot can operate independently or physically connect with others to handle obstacles such as steps, gaps, trenches, and ledges.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 16 Dec. 2025
The river tumbles and seethes through 278 miles of Grand Canyon National Park, taking its geologic time in carving a trench now deeper than a mile.
—Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 15 Dec. 2025
That's where the Pacific Plate beneath Japan forms the two trenches — the Japan Trench and Chishima Trench — that have caused many large quakes in the past.
—CBS News, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for trench
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trench
Noun
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Legal experts note people playing ding-dong ditch can also face charges, with offenses ranging from criminal trespass to disorderly conduct.—
Mark Price,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Jan. 2026
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In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Residents who live on private streets and properties without curbs or gutters don’t qualify for a visit from the Claw.—
Sarah Linn
November 5,
Sacbee.com,
5 Nov. 2025
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In these cases, leaves are often required to be piled in the right-of-way rather than street gutter to minimize mess and clogged drains.—
Miranda Crowell,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
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If reaching shelter is not possible, either stay inside your car, covering your head, or abandon the vehicle and seek refuge in a low-lying area like a ditch or ravine.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
5 Jan. 2026
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When camping in an open environment, select a campsite in a valley, ravine, or low region.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
4 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Trench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trench. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.
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