as in streets
a narrow passage between buildings
One can spend days exploring all the alleys and backstreets of the old city.
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Recent Examples of alleys
The bazaar has plenty of goods, and the smell of hyacinths, a traditional Nowruz flower, permeates the narrow alleys, a visceral reminder of springtime in the city.
—
Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 20 Mar. 2026
In densely populated neighborhoods of flimsy wooden houses, charcoal braziers tumbled over, fuel tanks ruptured, combustible chemicals in apothecaries exploded, and high winds fanned the flames through alleys.
—Joshua Hammer, The New York Review of Books, 19 Mar. 2026
Chicago’s alleys could do the same.
—Liam Stanton, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
Nur Mahdi al-Shahdi wasn’t born just once, but several times throughout the years of his life in the alleys.
—Literary Hub, 12 Mar. 2026
Think bowling alleys, a home theater, tennis and basketball courts, arcade rooms, a pool and spa, and even an ice-cream parlor–style concession space.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 6 Mar. 2026
The alleys are along South LA's 94th Street in the Westmont neighborhood.
—Lauren Pozen, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026
Connected to land by bridges, it’s filled with narrow stone alleys and a waterfront promenade lined with cafés.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026
The major resorts anchor raucous, nonstop nightlife—live music, rooftop bars, bowling alleys, arcades, and late-night eats.
—Ted Alvarez, Outside, 4 Mar. 2026
Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 20 Mar. 2026
In densely populated neighborhoods of flimsy wooden houses, charcoal braziers tumbled over, fuel tanks ruptured, combustible chemicals in apothecaries exploded, and high winds fanned the flames through alleys.
—Joshua Hammer, The New York Review of Books, 19 Mar. 2026
Chicago’s alleys could do the same.
—Liam Stanton, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
Nur Mahdi al-Shahdi wasn’t born just once, but several times throughout the years of his life in the alleys.
—Literary Hub, 12 Mar. 2026
Think bowling alleys, a home theater, tennis and basketball courts, arcade rooms, a pool and spa, and even an ice-cream parlor–style concession space.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 6 Mar. 2026
The alleys are along South LA's 94th Street in the Westmont neighborhood.
—Lauren Pozen, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026
Connected to land by bridges, it’s filled with narrow stone alleys and a waterfront promenade lined with cafés.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026
The major resorts anchor raucous, nonstop nightlife—live music, rooftop bars, bowling alleys, arcades, and late-night eats.
—Ted Alvarez, Outside, 4 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alleys
Noun
-
In a post on X earlier that day, LAPD said protesters along Alameda Street between Aliso and Temple streets had been warned multiple times by federal authorities not to attempt to tear down a gate or throw objects.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
-
But the new driverless Ubers won’t be on Miami streets immediately.—
Michael Butler,
Miami Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Hydroplaning is the term for when a vehicle begins sliding uncontrollably on wet roads.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Crowds also jammed the surrounding roads and beaches, reminiscent of the Apollo moonshots in the 1960s and ’70s.—
Marcia Dunn,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Here's your daily look at traffic on major highways in the Kansas City area.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Waymo doesn’t yet operate on Miami highways.—
Michael Butler,
Miami Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Alleys.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alleys. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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