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
All was peaceful until August 21, 1935, when as many as 175 rhesus monkeys escaped from their mountain, supposedly after a worker left a wooden plank over the moat that normally kept them in.
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Greg Daugherty, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024
However, radar data indicate that Milton could be at the beginning of an eyewall replacement cycle, with some signs of a moat and a partial outer eyewall.
—Tom Tapp, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2024
Surrounded by a moat of Chunky Onion Dip, this Christmas appetizer is extremely 1980s and bodaciously tasty.
—Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 14 Dec. 2024
But after learning what a moat was, Huber concluded his real advantage was a willingness to sweat and a drive to deliver first-rate customer service.
—Brandon Kochkodin, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for moat 
Greg Daugherty, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024
However, radar data indicate that Milton could be at the beginning of an eyewall replacement cycle, with some signs of a moat and a partial outer eyewall.
—Tom Tapp, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2024
Surrounded by a moat of Chunky Onion Dip, this Christmas appetizer is extremely 1980s and bodaciously tasty.
—Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 14 Dec. 2024
But after learning what a moat was, Huber concluded his real advantage was a willingness to sweat and a drive to deliver first-rate customer service.
—Brandon Kochkodin, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for moat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moat
Noun
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Once again Skinner is in the ditch with goal share (minute sample size).Allan Mitchell, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024
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Tragically, her life would end as the man who was stuck in a ditch pulled a gun on her, and fatally shot her.Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press, 29 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Ukrainian drones observed some Russians advancing as far as a key trench anchoring Ukrainian positions just east of Leonidovo in the no-man’s-land along the 250-square-mile salient Ukrainian troops occupy in Kursk.David Axe, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
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Re-signing Austin Corbett and Cade Mays to compete at center is a logical, cost-effective strategy that seems to align with the way the Panthers will approach their already expensive trench group.Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 9 Jan. 2025
Noun
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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
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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
Noun
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Her body was found by a deputy in June 2023 in a culvert on a dead-end road near a property owned by Fravel's parents.Elizabeth Pritchett, Fox News, 18 Dec. 2024
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The forest is full of dangers that complicate the search, including cliffs, culverts, sinkholes, and possibly dangerous animals like snakes.Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN, 9 Sep. 2024
Noun
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There’s one last ha-ha to be had: Jankie is revived and the cast participates in one last Jankie singalong!Nick Caruso, TVLine, 13 Oct. 2024
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Photo: Courtesy of Unique Homestays Inside, sash windows overlook the lawn, down to the ha-ha and the curving Dart beyond, which is tidal and offers a constantly changing view.Jo Rodgers, Vogue, 3 May 2024
Noun
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California’s largest fire in 2024 started when a man pushed a burning car into a ravine near Chico.Virginia Iglesias, The Conversation, 13 Jan. 2025
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Advertisement Hirschfield raped Gonsalves and dumped both of the teenagers’ bodies in a ravine about 30 miles east of Davis in Sacramento County, where they were found by police three days later.Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Instead, consider investing in gutter clips, velcro ties, removable adhesive hooks, or even temporary plastic conduits to mount the Christmas lights.Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Dec. 2024
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Its copper gutters will eventually patina over time, a conscious choice that's meant to accentuate the beautiful cedar shake roof.Alexis Clinton, Axios, 4 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Moat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moat. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
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