as in milestones
a point in a chain of events at which an important change (as in one's fortunes) occurs
a watershed moment in her life came when she inherited a reasonable sum of money and was able to start her own coffee shop
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Recent Examples of watersheds
Lisa Collins, a forensic scientist at Washington State Patrol, told CNN new software and strides in genetic genealogy are two relatively recent watersheds in DNA technology that have allowed for breakthroughs in cold cases like these.
—
Nina Giraldo, CNN Money, 10 May 2026
Rising demand for biomass fuels also degrades watersheds and wildlife habitats as people go deeper into previously undisturbed areas, increasing pressure on ecosystems and the species that depend on them.
—ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
Improvements began after policymakers recognized the mountains as vital watersheds for neighboring communities.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2026
Each year, Heal the Bay collects trash from beaches and watersheds across Los Angeles County with the help of thousands of volunteers.
—Cbs La Staff, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
Without rain in the forecast for the next seven days, the extreme drought that has gripped the Interstate 35 corridor, including the Austin metro area, parts of the Texas Hill Country and much of the region's watersheds is likely to not only persist but also intensify.
—Roberto Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 21 Mar. 2026
Mallard Creek is one of the largest watersheds in the county.
—Charlotte Observer, 11 Mar. 2026
While local watersheds may still recover after wet years, the Colorado River has less room to rebound.
—Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Two wolves roamed separately into the southern end of Colorado’s Front Range mountains in February, passing through watersheds west of Pueblo and Colorado Springs, a map released Wednesday by Colorado Parks and Wildlife shows.
—Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 25 Feb. 2026
Nina Giraldo, CNN Money, 10 May 2026
Rising demand for biomass fuels also degrades watersheds and wildlife habitats as people go deeper into previously undisturbed areas, increasing pressure on ecosystems and the species that depend on them.
—ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
Improvements began after policymakers recognized the mountains as vital watersheds for neighboring communities.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2026
Each year, Heal the Bay collects trash from beaches and watersheds across Los Angeles County with the help of thousands of volunteers.
—Cbs La Staff, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
Without rain in the forecast for the next seven days, the extreme drought that has gripped the Interstate 35 corridor, including the Austin metro area, parts of the Texas Hill Country and much of the region's watersheds is likely to not only persist but also intensify.
—Roberto Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 21 Mar. 2026
Mallard Creek is one of the largest watersheds in the county.
—Charlotte Observer, 11 Mar. 2026
While local watersheds may still recover after wet years, the Colorado River has less room to rebound.
—Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Two wolves roamed separately into the southern end of Colorado’s Front Range mountains in February, passing through watersheds west of Pueblo and Colorado Springs, a map released Wednesday by Colorado Parks and Wildlife shows.
—Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 25 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watersheds
Noun
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Here’s a look at the major career milestones of Adriano Goldschmied.—
Maria Cristina Pavarini,
Footwear News,
18 May 2026
-
Weeks, a social media personality from Texas, often shares glimpses of their life together on her Instagram, including family outings and Emma's milestones.—
Jane LaCroix,
PEOPLE,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
San Francisco anchors the region, offering world-class dining, historic neighborhoods brimming with Victorian charm, Art Deco landmarks, and proximity to Napa and Sonoma.—
Kristin Braswell,
Architectural Digest,
22 May 2026
-
But there are also several important landmarks worth a visit.—
Caroline Eubanks,
Travel + Leisure,
22 May 2026
Noun
-
That climaxes in a kaleidoscope of styles where Esteban, directing one scene, erupts in fury, reverting to a verbal and physical violence which Emilia obviously knew and suffered as child, Sorogoyen explains.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
16 May 2026
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Via one of popular music’s most stratospherically elevating climaxes, the song shifts into gospel overdrive with the explosive entrance of disco’s mightiest, most visceral vocalist, Loleatta Holloway.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
11 May 2026
Noun
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Be sure to drop into the sultry Pine Bar—all low lighting and dark corners—which specializes in wonderfully creative cocktails, delivered in whimsical locked boxes by suave waiters in red-velvet smoking jackets.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 May 2026
-
The right shrubs can turn low-light areas into the lushest part of your landscape—with layered foliage, dramatic texture, and blooms that brighten even the darkest corners.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Watersheds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watersheds. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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