as in ditches
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
Related Words
Relevance
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 moats
This systematic approach takes time—expect seven to 10 years for full policy integration—but creates regulatory moats that protect those long-term investments.
—
Kevin Cushnie, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Technical moats that are eroding in software, where AI democratizes development, remain strong in robotics due to the complexity of physical world integration.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2025
Kevin Cushnie, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Technical moats that are eroding in software, where AI democratizes development, remain strong in robotics due to the complexity of physical world integration.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moats
Noun
-
Heavy rainfall will cause extensive and severe flash flooding of creeks, streams and ditches in the Tehama County Division of the Park Fire Burn Scar.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
10 Sep. 2025
-
The district remains a throwback to the old days, much like the ancient thistle districts and thistle commissioners who were once found across Lake County in an attempt to stomp out the noxious weeds from farmlands and roadside ditches.—
Charles Selle,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
While many were watching the models wearing the storied Manhattan house's spring 2026 designs—which included oversized slacks, trenches, and a touch of chiffon—we were rapt by Fanning's hair.—
Margaux Anbouba,
Vogue,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Pour blender compost around plants, or into trenches, compost piles, or worm bins.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
While the new dikes are funded by the federal government, the extensive reforestation efforts are privately covered by a non-governmental organization.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
11 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Effective water bars can prevent runoff from concentrating on these lines and causing trenches and gullies to form.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
At the same time, the ravines have become junkyards, where home appliances, grocery carts, bald tires, grass clippings and autumn leaves have been dumped.—
Charles Selle,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Aug. 2025
-
The tracks led north and east now, angling and twisting through the timber, across ravines and small draws, avoiding parks and passes, heading generally into the wind.—
Fred C. Mercer,
Outdoor Life,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Moats.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moats. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share