swale

noun

Definition of swalenext
as in marsh

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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 swale Police said the driver of the black Ford Fusion was headed south on northwest 12th Avenue at a high rate of speed near northwest 188th Street when the driver tried to bypass slow-moving traffic by driving on the swale. — Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026 His group, however, showed that Governors Parkway Bridge would destroy the woods and dune and swale in the area while not solving the public safety issue. — Michelle L. Quinn, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026 Explore a white-sand beach and the sinks, swales, and sloughs found within the 2,500-acre Suwannee River Water Management District. — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 5 Jan. 2026 Deer grass hovers around the swale and California poppies dot the ground. — Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for swale
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swale
  1. marsh
  2. wetland
  3. slough
  4. bog
  5. marshland
  6. swamp
  7. fen
  8. wash
Noun
  • North American river otters live in rivers, lakes, streams, marshes and on seacoasts, according to the conservation group River Otter Ecology Project.
    — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The land features rich biological diversity such as marshes, mudflats and riparian and coastal sage scrub, including sensitive, threatened or endangered species such as the California gnatcatcher and the fairy shrimp.
    — Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of marsh
Noun
  • Below the bridge, there's also been work to restore wetlands, adding another layer to the effort to preserve the area surrounding the historic structure.
    — Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The property contains inland wetland resources, providing functions and values, including groundwater interaction, sediment retention, nutrient removal, wildlife habitat, flood storage, and ecological support, the motion says.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of wetland
Noun
  • About 61% of primary voters split their votes among a slew of moderate candidates.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The slew of new characters includes Sherry Cola, Liamani Segura and Hudson Stone, among others.
    — Jacqueline Weiss, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of slough
Noun
  • Plans for the site include nature trails, a tree canopy walk, an owl enclosure, a frog bog, a North American river otter habitat and interactive labs representing the Piedmont region.
    — Chase Jordan August 5, Charlotte Observer, 5 Aug. 2026
  • During this time, bogs, marshes, and other wetlands, historically seen as disease-ridden and deleterious to human health, were reevaluated by scientists and conservationists as valuable wildlife habitats.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026
Definition of bog
Noun
  • During most of the year, merlins inhabit open country ranging from marshlands to deserts, but many breed in conifer and birch woods.
    — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Cane toads were native to Central America, dwelling in marshlands and swamps.
    — Kimon de Greef, Longreads, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of marshland
Noun
  • Farther downstream, there was the Lake of the Jarayés and the delta; upstream, the great swamp.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Imagine the ripe smell of swamp-wet dogs, the acrid stench of overheated, enraged bear, the slippery warm blood of pack members already lost; the simply insufferable noise and confusion in that dank little hole.
    — Paul Schullery, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of swamp
Noun
  • Commoners relied on swamps, fens, forests, and heaths for fuel, gravel, stone, and wood to make tools and to build and repair houses.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026
  • The goal was to help preserve and protect the delicate valley and its fens.
    — John Meyer, Denver Post, 25 Aug. 2025
Definition of fen
Noun
  • However, towels can sometimes flatten and feel stiff after several washes.
    — Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Plus, it can also be used on dry roots to revive a blowout between washes.
    — Iman Balagam, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of wash

Browse Nearby Words

swains
swale
swales
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Swale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swale. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on swale

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about swale

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