1
as in dam
a bank of earth constructed to control water
an elaborate system of dikes built to protect the lowlands from the relentless onslaught of the sea
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as in to fence
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dike
Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2025
This discovery adds to the growing body of evidence that removing dikes—and re-introducing tidal waters—can be beneficial for estuary ecosystems.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Dec. 2024
Edward Stratton, The Christian Science Monitor, 2 Apr. 2018
Aerial photos show portions of the land – diked and drained for agriculture by the 1930s and cut in half by US Highway 30 by the 1970s – slowly returning to wetlands as levees broke down and breached.
—Edward Stratton, The Christian Science Monitor, 2 Apr. 2018
See All Example Sentences for dike
Noun
There’s a classic Dutch folk story about a young boy who heroically plugged a small leak in a dike with a finger, preventing a catastrophic flood by holding back the water until help arrives.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2025
This discovery adds to the growing body of evidence that removing dikes—and re-introducing tidal waters—can be beneficial for estuary ecosystems.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Dec. 2024
Verb
The southern banks along Svensen Slough, a side channel of the Columbia River, have transformed over time from historic spruce swamp into fields diked off by European settlers for farming.
—Edward Stratton, The Christian Science Monitor, 2 Apr. 2018
Aerial photos show portions of the land – diked and drained for agriculture by the 1930s and cut in half by US Highway 30 by the 1970s – slowly returning to wetlands as levees broke down and breached.
—Edward Stratton, The Christian Science Monitor, 2 Apr. 2018
See All Example Sentences for dike
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dike
Noun
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Studies of dams in Brazil show that deforestation caused by the dams reduce their potential for power generation by up to 10%, which while sounding modest, means for one plant, lost revenue of $21 million.—
Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn,
Forbes.com,
17 Apr. 2025
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Its leaders agreed to build the dam six feet higher so that the reservoir had enough space to store 5,000 acre-feet of water to be used for environmental health purposes on South Boulder Creek, which flows out of the bottom of the dam.—
Elise Schmelzer,
Denver Post,
16 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Foxes with tails that float behind them, light as scarves, frolic in a ditch.—
Sarah Matusek,
Christian Science Monitor,
4 Apr. 2025
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Stay informed and follow these tips from the NWS to ensure safety during heavy rainfall: Beware of swollen waterways: Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
1 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Long before its demolition, the city had fenced off part of the nearby sidewalk because debris had fallen off the tower and landed near people walking their dogs.—
Robert A. Cronkleton,
Kansas City Star,
17 Apr. 2025
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Not long after, states began requiring all private swimming pools to be fenced, which led deaths to fall and has since been adopted nationwide.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Image Most of the storm’s damage so far has been caused by floodwaters that overtopped riverbanks and levees, surged through streets and inundated the basements and ground floors of buildings.—
Patrick J. Lyons,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2025
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Dams and levees lead to less frequent flooding, but erosion and deforestation mean more catastrophic floods when these barriers are breached.—
Nikil Saval,
New Yorker,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The Bucks can’t afford to cough up the ball in their own trenches.—
Brian Sampson,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
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This sophisticated trench is crafted to withstand both rain and wind while maintaining a breathable feel.—
Gabrielle Porcaro,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The Country Club Logo Olympics begin at 7:00 a.m. Monday, when the patron gates open for the week’s first practice round.—
Gabby Herzig,
New York Times,
12 Apr. 2025
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Many luxury homes are gated, set on large lots, or feature landscaping that creates a private oasis.—
Rowan Briggs,
Mercury News,
12 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Footage showed the mangled wreckage on an embankment on the side of the highway.—
Anthony Solorzano,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Apr. 2025
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Beltram’s truck hit their car, sending it down an embankment, crushing the passenger side compartment of the car, according to the District Attorney’s Office.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
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But during city reviews, officials asked for a curb, gutter and sidewalk across the length of the frontage, which would destroy the trees.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Apr. 2025
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Drew Guthrie, of the same engineering firm, said the drainage would be improved with development of the property as the construction would include a curb and gutter system and three drainage areas.—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dike. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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