as in ditch
a deep, wide excavation that is usually filled with water and that goes around the walls of a place (such as a castle) to protect it from being attacked
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Recent Examples of moat
Sticky barriers or water moats can also prevent ants from reaching common destinations, such as plants and counters, according to the University of Minnesota Extension.
—
Caden Perry, jsonline.com, 24 Mar. 2026
In the forest, however, researchers found massive earthen ramparts and an 18-foot-deep moat, said archaeologist Marcin Krzepkowski of the Relicta Foundation.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 15 Mar. 2026
Banking app Dave says its moat is its regulatory relationships and its credit underwriting.
—Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Nature protects history and human life Inside the remarkable medieval settlement, archaeologists found moats, remains of buildings, and artifacts, 244 to be exact, including 66 knives, sickles, iron coulters, arrowheads, spearheads, and personal accessories were identified, as per Heritage Daily.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for moat
Caden Perry, jsonline.com, 24 Mar. 2026
In the forest, however, researchers found massive earthen ramparts and an 18-foot-deep moat, said archaeologist Marcin Krzepkowski of the Relicta Foundation.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 15 Mar. 2026
Banking app Dave says its moat is its regulatory relationships and its credit underwriting.
—Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Nature protects history and human life Inside the remarkable medieval settlement, archaeologists found moats, remains of buildings, and artifacts, 244 to be exact, including 66 knives, sickles, iron coulters, arrowheads, spearheads, and personal accessories were identified, as per Heritage Daily.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for moat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moat
Noun
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Afterward, Dole proposed to donate the dam, reservoir and ditch system to the state in exchange for an agreement to repair the spillway to meet and maintain dam safety standards.—
Audrey McAvoy,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Mar. 2026
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Afterward, Dole proposed to donate the dam, reservoir and ditch system to the state in exchange for an agreement to repair the spillway to meet and maintain dam safety standards.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
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While many of us have a classic trench coat in our wardrobes, Meghan made the case for a trench dress.—
Katherine J Igoe,
InStyle,
3 Apr. 2026
-
April showers tend not to require full-length trenches, especially as temperatures start to climb.—
Jake Henry Smith,
Glamour,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Park staff in July partially opened the valve of the structure after heavy rain caused water levels to overflow the lake’s earthen dike, raising erosion concerns.—
Mary Divine,
Twin Cities,
18 Feb. 2026
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Refurbishment of the dike around the lake is finished, and a revision of the lake management rules went into effect in 2024.—
Amy Green,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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At some point as the suspects fled westbound on the Interstate 30 service road, the ATM dislodged from the vehicle and came to rest in a culvert near an auto dealership, police said.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 Mar. 2026
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The greenway will be temporarily closed at a date to be announced so a new culvert can be built, according to NCDOT.—
Joe Marusak,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Great roles and performances, but, ha-ha, Phoenix earned his first Academy Award for Joker in 2020.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 Mar. 2026
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But funny ha-ha peculiar, just like the director.—
John Waters,
Vulture,
3 Dec. 2025
Noun
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When camping in an open environment, select a campsite in a valley, ravine, or low region.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Apr. 2026
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When camping in an open environment, select a campsite in a valley, ravine, or low region.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Roof inspections, gutter cleaning, and lawn prep are key exterior chores.—
Alora Bopray,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
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Points are awarded by zone, from 0 to 5; gutter balls subtract a point, while a ball that kisses the stake earns a perfect 10.—
Brittany Anas,
Denver Post,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Moat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moat. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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