moat

Definition of moatnext
as in ditch
a deep, wide excavation that is usually filled with water and that goes around the walls of a place (such as a castle) to protect it from being attacked

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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 moat The moat is about the residents and the businesses in Dubai who, despite all the challenges, keep going. Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 24 Apr. 2026 Swim or snorkel around the moat to spot marine life, such as nurse sharks, hogfish or reef squid. Lauren David, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026 Bolstering its technical moat, Greater Bay Technology has filed over 50 patents covering everything from proprietary electrolyte formulas to advanced cell manufacturing. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 15 Apr. 2026 The lawsuit also claims Vertix’s poor work resulted in broken sump pumps, areas of water leakage, a falling pipe, exposed metal ties, peeling paint, faulty caulking, rust, and salt water leaching from the habitat’s upper pool into the moat, among others. John Wenzel, Denver Post, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for moat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moat
Noun
  • Add a drainage ditch or swale to absorb water during storms.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 18 May 2026
  • The Chevriolet ended up hitting the left side of the minivan, sending it off the roadway into a ditch, state police said.
    Adam Harrington, CBS News, 17 May 2026
Noun
  • Rocky, meanwhile, wore a camel trench over a gray tee, along with black jeans and combat boots.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026
  • In the massive world of the NFL trenches, the domain of the largest of all professional athletes, Aaron Donald was an undersized anomaly.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • Constructing protective structures such as levees and dikes can help, as can preserving natural landscapes, such as wetlands and estuaries that can act as a natural sponge to absorb floodwaters, in and near the cities, Shao and her colleagues wrote.
    Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2026
  • The dikes would consist of walls surrounding the city, separating it from the lagoon, Lionello said.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Officers opened fire, and the teen took cover behind a concrete platform in the culvert.
    Doug Myers, CBS News, 14 May 2026
  • In addition to culvert construction, contract crews are also working to upgrade traffic cameras and data technology systems, and construct maintenance vehicle pullouts.
    Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • Great roles and performances, but, ha-ha, Phoenix earned his first Academy Award for Joker in 2020.
    Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Mar. 2026
  • But funny ha-ha peculiar, just like the director.
    John Waters, Vulture, 3 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • On May 2, rescuers were sent to the trail after getting reports of a hiker who'd fallen into a ravine, the Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team said in a statement.
    Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
  • When camping in an open environment, select a campsite in a valley, ravine, or low region.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • An inspector can check grading, gutters, downspout drainage, crawl space conditions and signs of past water intrusion.
    Ryan Brennan May 15, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2026
  • Clean your gutters and downspouts.
    Dan Simms, USA Today, 15 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Moat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moat. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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