as in canals
an open man-made passageway for water
the Erie Canal was superseded by a much larger waterway, the New York State Barge Canal
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of waterways
Ecologists have been trying to protect the delicate caves for years as development and pollution increasingly threaten the underwater waterways.
—
Arkansas Online, 1 Mar. 2026
Explore the waterways on kayaks and paddle boards, and let the kiddos play at the arcade and the new mini-golf course.
—Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
According to the listing, the three-bedroom cottage features nearly 400 feet of private waterways, outdoor activities like kayaks and canoes and an exercise room.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 27 Feb. 2026
During the pandemic, Keller said people and boaters rediscovered their love for the waterways in Lake County along the Chain and on Lake Michigan as a local way to recreate amid the restrictions.
—Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026
During the last quarter of 2025, the city conducted 121 small abatements along with waterways and another 13 operations within the 10 no-encampment zones around interim housing sites.
—Devan Patel, Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2026
Their waterways are polluted and undrinkable, yet citizens still wash their clothes and utensils in them.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2026
Algae blooms choke our waterways.
—Yoca Arditi-Rocha, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Feb. 2026
What This Discovery Hints At The find raises questions about what else might be living in unexplored caves and underground waterways around the world.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2026
Arkansas Online, 1 Mar. 2026
Explore the waterways on kayaks and paddle boards, and let the kiddos play at the arcade and the new mini-golf course.
—Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
According to the listing, the three-bedroom cottage features nearly 400 feet of private waterways, outdoor activities like kayaks and canoes and an exercise room.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 27 Feb. 2026
During the pandemic, Keller said people and boaters rediscovered their love for the waterways in Lake County along the Chain and on Lake Michigan as a local way to recreate amid the restrictions.
—Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026
During the last quarter of 2025, the city conducted 121 small abatements along with waterways and another 13 operations within the 10 no-encampment zones around interim housing sites.
—Devan Patel, Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2026
Their waterways are polluted and undrinkable, yet citizens still wash their clothes and utensils in them.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2026
Algae blooms choke our waterways.
—Yoca Arditi-Rocha, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Feb. 2026
What This Discovery Hints At The find raises questions about what else might be living in unexplored caves and underground waterways around the world.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for waterways
Noun
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All of these little circuitous bits of water are the canals, and those are the beavers’ highway systems.—
Mary Divine,
Twin Cities,
1 Mar. 2026
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Pierce said infrastructure in the 11th District will be a priority, like roads, bridges and canals, as well as projects that will enhance safety and security.—
Steve Sadin,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Students learn how their water travels from the Sierra Nevada through reservoirs, pipes and aqueducts to finally end up in their homes.—
Molly McCrea,
CBS News,
27 Feb. 2026
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Architects have found evidence of their use in the pyramids of Egypt and the buildings and aqueducts of the Roman Empire.—
Alcina Johnson Sudagar,
The Conversation,
12 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Waterways.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/waterways. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
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