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the Erie Canal was superseded by a much larger waterway, the New York State Barge Canal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
The tree’s seeds are spread by their floating fruit, according to Mattus, which can make their way down waterways.
—
Jennifer Lobb, Martha Stewart, 30 Jan. 2026
In the past, iguanas have been seen falling out of trees, and alligators appeared motionless in frozen waterways.
—Dan Peck, ABC News, 30 Jan. 2026
Originally imported from Asia in the 1970s for an improved aquaculture, the fish escaped into Midwestern waterways decades ago and spread rapidly.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
Though recent weeks of cold weather have many southeast Michigan waterways frozen over, local officials caution that Detroit River ice is very dangerous to walk upon.
—Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 30 Jan. 2026
When waterways like the Allegheny River freeze, there is no getting through — at least until the ice starts to melt.
—Christopher Derose, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026
In the lead- and zinc-rich northeast, mining can release acidic drainage caused by oxidation of sulfide minerals, which can leach heavy metals from mining waste, contaminating waterways.
—Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 23 Jan. 2026
Participants will spread throughout the beach areas and nearby beaches to pick up trash that would otherwise end up in waterways, according to the Del Mar Village Association’s website.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026
Beyond medicine, scientists are examining ecological interventions to reduce the movement of resistance genes through soil, wastewater and plastics, as well as through waterways and key environmental reservoirs.
—André O. Hudson, The Conversation, 21 Jan. 2026
Jennifer Lobb, Martha Stewart, 30 Jan. 2026
In the past, iguanas have been seen falling out of trees, and alligators appeared motionless in frozen waterways.
—Dan Peck, ABC News, 30 Jan. 2026
Originally imported from Asia in the 1970s for an improved aquaculture, the fish escaped into Midwestern waterways decades ago and spread rapidly.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
Though recent weeks of cold weather have many southeast Michigan waterways frozen over, local officials caution that Detroit River ice is very dangerous to walk upon.
—Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 30 Jan. 2026
When waterways like the Allegheny River freeze, there is no getting through — at least until the ice starts to melt.
—Christopher Derose, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026
In the lead- and zinc-rich northeast, mining can release acidic drainage caused by oxidation of sulfide minerals, which can leach heavy metals from mining waste, contaminating waterways.
—Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 23 Jan. 2026
Participants will spread throughout the beach areas and nearby beaches to pick up trash that would otherwise end up in waterways, according to the Del Mar Village Association’s website.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026
Beyond medicine, scientists are examining ecological interventions to reduce the movement of resistance genes through soil, wastewater and plastics, as well as through waterways and key environmental reservoirs.
—André O. Hudson, The Conversation, 21 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for waterways
Noun
-
Delhi was designed around its banks in the 17th century, when the river fed the canals that cooled royal palaces.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
1 Feb. 2026
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After the canals were finished, many settled in Mexicali and started restaurants and other small businesses in La Chinesca (Chinatown).—
Joe Yogerst,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The update will set rules for the Sacramento River and the rest of the Delta, where pumps operated by state and federal agencies send water flowing in aqueducts to farmlands and cities.—
Ian James,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Jan. 2026
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Ancient Origins reported that the researchers analyzed the carbonate incrustations, or the buildup in the city’s pipes, as well as deposits in the aqueducts and water towers built later on.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
18 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Waterways.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/waterways. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
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