as in countryside
a rural region that forms the edge of the settled or developed part of a country
a distant backwater that didn't even have electricity at that time
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of backwater
Some of the coolest crappie fishing of the year occurs in backwaters that are easily accessible by foot.
—
Cory Schmidt,
Outdoor Life,
15 Apr. 2026
Gold transformed Victoria from a pastoral backwater into the most celebrated colony of the empire.
—
Britannica Editors,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
19 Mar. 2026
At that time, in the 1920s, France was really a backwater in theoretical physics.
—
Tim Folger,
Scientific American,
16 Mar. 2026
But Dublin was a European backwater then.
—
Jody Mamone,
Hartford Courant,
16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backwater
Cory Schmidt,
Outdoor Life,
15 Apr. 2026
Gold transformed Victoria from a pastoral backwater into the most celebrated colony of the empire.
—
Britannica Editors,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
19 Mar. 2026
At that time, in the 1920s, France was really a backwater in theoretical physics.
—
Tim Folger,
Scientific American,
16 Mar. 2026
But Dublin was a European backwater then.
—
Jody Mamone,
Hartford Courant,
16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backwater
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backwater
Noun
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Kober, who has been married for more than 75 years, was born in east London before he and his siblings were evacuated to the countryside during World War II.
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Somehow magically, someone created an outdoor garden at a lush countryside retreat.
Noun
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The Federal Reserve attributes much of the gap to a capital stock the United States renews faster than anyone else, and the IMF to European firms that stay too small and invest too little to reach the frontier.
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The rural storytelling and fiddle music on the frontier inspired the emergence and growth of commercial country music and bluegrass music, while echoes of acoustic blues and protest songs can be heard in modern R&B and hip-hop.
Noun
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Many hedges, bushes, and trees can block sight lines, so even the nosiest of neighbors will be forced to mind their own business.
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These wonders can grow as strange, twisted bushes or as giant, spindly trees.
Noun
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Leiter said the final destination of the framework is peace between the two countries.
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Many countries and global organizations have pledged support and aid.
Noun
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In Beach Enclave’s hinterland, there are plenty of enjoyable distractions, including a 4,500-square-foot golf complex, with putting green, courts for tennis, padel, and pickleball, fitness center, and games lounge.
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The menu is top-tier and uses as much local produce from the ocean and nearby hinterland as possible.
Noun
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Broken Hill Those traveling between Sydney and Adelaide will stop at this outback mining town, which has some of the world’s largest silver, lead, and zinc mineral deposits.
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Observe black cockatoos preen in the drooping she-oaks, or marvel at the Dali-esque outback, filled with its skeletal mallee trees.
Cite this Entry
“Backwater.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backwater. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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