as in milestone
a point in a chain of events at which an important change (as in one's fortunes) occurs
a watershed moment in her life came when she inherited a reasonable sum of money and was able to start her own coffee shop
Synonyms & Similar Words
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as in pivotal
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of watershed
Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2025
However, during the late 1950s, public awareness of the beauty and grandeur the watershed had to offer was growing.
—arkansasonline.com, 6 July 2025
Regular flooding can wash out fences, and some question the effects of their livestock on distant watersheds.
—Nick Oxford, New York Times, 21 May 2025
That’s exactly what the developers — a group of ranchers who have been pushing a controversial 1,800-home development in the watershed of the Econlockhatchee River — apparently want.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for watershed
Adjective
Today, there are eight points at which water flows into the lake, including from the 150-acre Roberts Brook watershed that extends beyond the UConn campus.
—Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2025
However, during the late 1950s, public awareness of the beauty and grandeur the watershed had to offer was growing.
—arkansasonline.com, 6 July 2025
Regular flooding can wash out fences, and some question the effects of their livestock on distant watersheds.
—Nick Oxford, New York Times, 21 May 2025
That’s exactly what the developers — a group of ranchers who have been pushing a controversial 1,800-home development in the watershed of the Econlockhatchee River — apparently want.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for watershed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watershed
Noun
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Both benchmark gauges hit several record closes this week, with the S & P 500 reaching the milestone on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.—
Morgan Chittum,
CNBC,
16 Aug. 2025
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At the box office, Superman crossed the $500 million milestone, with $333 million in domestic and $249 million in international sales contributing to the half-billion total, according to Box Office Mojo.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Indian officials have recently refuted Trump’s claims of the U.S. playing a pivotal role in ending a conflict with Pakistan in May.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
8 Aug. 2025
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The History of Tech Companies Upskilling Society Looking back at the computer literacy boom of the 1970s and 2000s, tech giants like IBM and Microsoft played pivotal roles, not just by providing tools and resources but by fostering partnerships with educational institutions.—
Gerui Wang,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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There too at the show’s climax was Barkan, pulling her top down all the way this time and giving her torso a vigorous shake.—
Theoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Aug. 2025
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There are high-speed action and emotional twists and turns in the climax.—
Mike Fleming Jr,
Deadline,
4 Aug. 2025
Noun
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However, on August 16, the 40th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards filled the Nashville landmark like a Sunday service—sequins, organ runs, tears, and praise breaks.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
18 Aug. 2025
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The landmark is an impressive reminder of the power of American manufacturing in providing family-supporting jobs.—
Rick Barrett,
jsonline.com,
18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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With its endlessly quotable teen slang, closet-envy fashion, and pop culture references, the film remains an epochal '90s movie that hasn't lost a stitch of charm or relevance.—
Danny Horn,
EW.com,
19 July 2025
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This movie was meant to be DC’s epochal Avengers-like moment.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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Weapons took decisive care of its competition for a second week in a row at the box office.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
17 Aug. 2025
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Against the Packers, Fields was decisive after taking what the defense gave him, completing 3-of-4 passes and rushing for a touchdown.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Uecker would enjoy every single moment of this momentous Brewers season.—
Bernie Pleskoff,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
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Bertha takes a risk, as she is known to do, by welcoming divorced women, and the momentous occasion becomes even grander when Mrs. Astor arrives, signaling that even the power players of old-money New York are willing to follow her as society moves forward.—
Zoe Papelis,
Vulture,
10 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Instead, the person must show race was the crucial and deciding factor.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2025
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The bullpen gave up the lead on the first pitch, and then three more in the deciding 10th inning.—
Sam McDowell,
Kansas City Star,
27 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Watershed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watershed. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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