1
as in streams
a passageway for water
A fallen tree branch was floating down the river.
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2
as in floods
an overwhelming flow or rush of something
Jet streams can be thought of as giant rivers of air that circulate around the globe. He was overwhelmed by the river of new information that the document dump provided.
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of rivers
Unlike those of many other rivers, the Mississippi's course changes constantly as flowing water from spring rains and summer storms reshapes the banks and muddy islands.
—
Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 31 May 2026
One problem is that there are no roads connecting Mavecure to the rest of the country -- only rivers.
—John Otis, NPR, 30 May 2026
And because wastewater treatment plants struggle to remove it completely, benzoylecgonine often accumulates at higher concentrations in rivers and lakes.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
Well, the Sacramento area is home to lakes, rivers and pools of water to enjoy all kinds of boating, rowing and kayaking.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
may 30, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2026
Methane gas pipelines and power plants, along with their associated infrastructure, like compressor stations, metering and regulation stations, already run beneath our forests, through our neighborhoods, under our rivers, and in our communities.
—Sydney Collins, Hartford Courant, 28 May 2026
They are typically found in shallow ponds, swamps, canals, reservoirs, lakes and rivers.
—Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026
Climate change can also exacerbate coal ash threats, Cassel said, and natural disasters including hurricanes or floods can spill coal ash into rivers or other bodies of water, which can affect residents or those who clean up the coal ash.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026
Can anything be done beyond waiting for an explosion or a massive leak that threatens streams, rivers and the ocean?
—Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2026
Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 31 May 2026
One problem is that there are no roads connecting Mavecure to the rest of the country -- only rivers.
—John Otis, NPR, 30 May 2026
And because wastewater treatment plants struggle to remove it completely, benzoylecgonine often accumulates at higher concentrations in rivers and lakes.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
Well, the Sacramento area is home to lakes, rivers and pools of water to enjoy all kinds of boating, rowing and kayaking.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
may 30, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2026
Methane gas pipelines and power plants, along with their associated infrastructure, like compressor stations, metering and regulation stations, already run beneath our forests, through our neighborhoods, under our rivers, and in our communities.
—Sydney Collins, Hartford Courant, 28 May 2026
They are typically found in shallow ponds, swamps, canals, reservoirs, lakes and rivers.
—Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026
Climate change can also exacerbate coal ash threats, Cassel said, and natural disasters including hurricanes or floods can spill coal ash into rivers or other bodies of water, which can affect residents or those who clean up the coal ash.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026
Can anything be done beyond waiting for an explosion or a massive leak that threatens streams, rivers and the ocean?
—Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rivers
Noun
-
They are typically found in shallow ponds, swamps, canals, reservoirs, lakes and rivers.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
28 May 2026
-
These are fast disappearing, however, as humans drain them for development, dredge canals in them for the oil and gas industry and construct river levees, depriving them of the sediments that stop them being submerged.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
25 May 2026
Noun
-
Scientists predict a particularly strong El Niño phenomenon this year that could trigger widespread droughts and floods, hammering the yields of staple crops.—
Prashant Rao,
semafor.com,
3 June 2026
-
What to read next The indoor swimming pool area is beautiful; light floods in from the arched glass roof and through floor-to-ceiling windows.—
Harriet Marsden,
TheWeek,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
In actuality, the term refers to the trace levels of cocaine and its breakdown products that exist in waterways.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
-
The program, developed by the Department of Public Works’ Watershed Protection and Restoration Office, raises awareness and support for protecting natural resources by encouraging visitors to scenic local waterways.—
Aegis,
Baltimore Sun,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
His uniform and scalp were lined with glistening rivulets of oil, water, soot and sweat.—
Nabih Bulos,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2026
-
In this piercing account of the American Dream in tatters, the magnitude of that dimension feels appropriate, echoing the currents of betrayal, fear and death that course through the film like rivulets of blood.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
At the same time, there are riparian natives — those that grow along watercourses — which may need regular attention in terms of water needs for many years after planting.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rivers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rivers. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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