as in milestone
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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as in pivotal
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of watershed
Jonathan Thompson, Denver Post, 18 Mar. 2026
This year, the snowpack in the upper part of the Colorado River watershed stands at 59% of average, and that will mean even less snowmelt feeding the river’s reservoirs, which are declining toward critically low levels.
—Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2026
Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 5 Mar. 2026
For an industry long resistant to change, this is a watershed moment.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for watershed
Noun
The warmer temperatures tinker with the health of the watershed.
—Jonathan Thompson, Denver Post, 18 Mar. 2026
This year, the snowpack in the upper part of the Colorado River watershed stands at 59% of average, and that will mean even less snowmelt feeding the river’s reservoirs, which are declining toward critically low levels.
—Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
There’s a watershed moment that still sticks with Wild general manager Bill Guerin however many years later.
—Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 5 Mar. 2026
For an industry long resistant to change, this is a watershed moment.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for watershed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for watershed
Noun
-
By reaching the milestone in 467 games, Makar is the fourth-fastest defenseman to 500 in NHL history.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The agreement will give Insilico $115 million up front, with the remainder subject to regulatory and commercial milestones, along with royalties on future sales, according to the companies’ announcement Monday.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in reducing the risk of wildfires during these hazardous conditions.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Martinez said mental health care is pivotal to reaching the people who need it most.—
Zach Boetto,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
There’s no question that the series delivers a climax that more than lives up to the title.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
27 Mar. 2026
-
His color choices in the film’s emotional climax are the subtle, purposeful craft work that the cinematography branch voters live for.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
And in late February, just as attention began to shift away from Gaza, Israel and the United States launched a joint attack on Iran—a potentially epochal war that may end up dividing Jewish Americans no less than the Gaza war did, particularly if the conflict drags on and casualties mount.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
These are huge, epochal changes for older Americans that have happened in just the past 15 years.—
Ken Stern,
USA Today,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The board game features historic and famous landmarks, including the Biltmore Hotel, the Venetian Pool and City Hall.—
Michelle Marchante,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
-
After a debut season as shocking and raw as Aunt Lydia’s aforementioned act of discipline, Bruce Miller’s adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s landmark novel drifted into repetitious patterns with a familiarity that dulled their impact.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In these past four weeks, our armed forces have delivered swift, decisive, overwhelming victories on the battlefield victories like few people have ever seen before.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
-
European luxury is entering a high-stakes first-quarter reporting period as sentiment has taken a decisive hit, just as many of the sector's big names were nearing a turning point after years of declining sales.—
Elsa Ohlen,
CNBC,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Not wrong for much of the last three decades — but Saturday night’s gig, and all the joyous revelry surrounding it, showed why the Live ’25 Tour has been payoff enough for none of them to look back in anger at any of it.—
Andrew Unterberger,
Billboard,
17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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There was a lack of screens, which actually helped the show feel more momentous in its fashion.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Mullally wanted to bring a deeply human dimension to this momentous event.—
Stefania Conrieri,
Vanity Fair,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Watershed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/watershed. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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