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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Recent Examples of rivers
Of the more than 40 million annual visitors to the state, about a quarter seek outdoor recreation, including fishing at the state’s extensive network of fishing holes—rivers like the Missouri and Mississippi, as well as more than 2,700 lakes—meaning a stop at Bass Pro is almost always in order.
—
Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
Police and fire rescue experts say this is also serves a reminder to always wear personal flotation devices in and around rivers, creeks, ditches and lakes.
—Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 4 June 2026
The North Carolina Estuarium is another highlight, with Pamlico River tours as well as 200 exhibits on estuaries and coastal rivers.
—Caroline Eubanks, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2026
On match days, truck deliveries between 30th and 60th streets from the East to the Hudson rivers will also be restricted.
—Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 4 June 2026
They have been introduced in other waters and, like nonnative blue catfish, are thriving in several tidal rivers, such as Virginia’s James River.
—Ken Perrotte, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026
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
As a result, many people living near Mavecure have gotten out of gold mining, which polluted the jungle rivers with mercury and sediment, to work as tour guides, operate restaurants and hostels, or sell arts and crafts.
—John Otis, NPR, 30 May 2026
That metabolite is then excreted in urine, enters sewage systems, passes through wastewater treatment plants and, eventually, makes its way back into local rivers, lakes and coastal waters.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
Police and fire rescue experts say this is also serves a reminder to always wear personal flotation devices in and around rivers, creeks, ditches and lakes.
—Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 4 June 2026
The North Carolina Estuarium is another highlight, with Pamlico River tours as well as 200 exhibits on estuaries and coastal rivers.
—Caroline Eubanks, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2026
On match days, truck deliveries between 30th and 60th streets from the East to the Hudson rivers will also be restricted.
—Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 4 June 2026
They have been introduced in other waters and, like nonnative blue catfish, are thriving in several tidal rivers, such as Virginia’s James River.
—Ken Perrotte, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026
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
As a result, many people living near Mavecure have gotten out of gold mining, which polluted the jungle rivers with mercury and sediment, to work as tour guides, operate restaurants and hostels, or sell arts and crafts.
—John Otis, NPR, 30 May 2026
That metabolite is then excreted in urine, enters sewage systems, passes through wastewater treatment plants and, eventually, makes its way back into local rivers, lakes and coastal waters.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rivers
Noun
-
The fitness center is awash in natural light, which is a great alternative to a jog along the city’s canals.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
Amsterdam, Netherlands Amsterdam is famous for its biking culture, but there’s nothing like strolling along its canals.—
Laura Begley Bloom,
Forbes.com,
1 June 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 the interim, the Department of Water Resources is providing portage services for boats navigating the waterways.—
Reeti Malhotra
June 5,
Sacbee.com,
6 June 2026
-
Though landlocked, Iowa’s identity is shaped by waterways including the Missouri and Mississippi rivers that form some of its borders.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 June 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 8 Jun. 2026.
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