dike 1 of 2

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2

dike

2 of 2

verb

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 dike
Noun
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
Verb
In the short run, adaptation—dikes and levees to protect flood-prone cities, relocating residences away from eroding coasts—can help. Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 30 May 2025 In addition, their burrows can damage or weaken levees, dikes and stream banks. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for dike
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dike
Noun
  • The southern flow of the Everglades would direct floodwaters toward Alligator Alcatraz, where the Tamiami Trail acts as a dam, stacking water up.
    Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 2 Aug. 2025
  • In the $4-trillion-plus global auto industry, the breakneck pace growth strategies of Chinese carmakers, led by BYD, have broken a dam.
    Vivienne Walt, Fortune, 29 July 2025
Noun
  • There was a sewer ditch that ran along a set of barracks, and some portable toilets that were pulled back and forth between barracks for people to use and then emptied into the ditch.
    Sacha Pfeiffer, NPR, 22 July 2025
  • The pipes and tubes are meant to conserve water by replacing open ditches and reducing evaporation.
    Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • Slatted fencing conceals kayaks, paddleboards, and other lake toys, ensuring the backyard looks tidy.
    Jody Garlock, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2025
  • Tritons fencing coach Juan Ignacio Calderon admires not only the artistry of Wu’s fencing but also the gamut of her accomplishments.
    Glae Thien, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Flash floods can develop within six hours of heavy rain, dam or levee failure.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 12 July 2025
  • In 1912, for example, the levees on both rivers broke, causing 4 to 30 feet of water to inundate Parkin.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • Each meter of that cable—on rooftops, in trenches, across mounting rails—is a potential ignition point if not properly protected, installed and maintained.
    Joern Hackbarth, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • Likely following orders from the Roman army, the troops would often leave the fort for distant regions and in their haste, ditch shoes, clothing and other belongings in the surrounding trenches, Frame explained.
    Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • The app will alert you to gate changes, delays, and boarding times.
    Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 21 July 2025
  • But what was remarkable—almost unnerving—was that such a simple and common plant alkaloid, in a pure form, would also just happen to gate access to a bizarre hypercomplex alternate universe teeming with apparently intelligent nonhuman—alien—beings.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 July 2025
Noun
  • Preliminary information indicated serious injuries were reported after a vehicle went down an embankment, state police said.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 16 July 2025
  • The rider was ejected onto the highway, and the motorcycle came to a rest on a dirt embankment next to the highway, Lopez said.
    Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • The city aims to sweep every public street with a curb and a gutter at least once a month from February through October, picking up small pieces of litter and debris that can clog storm drains.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025
  • The road work includes the installation of new curb and gutter as well as storm drainage improvements. Detour routes will be in place using Mt. Hebron, Garrett and Rainbow roads, the release states.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dike. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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