levee

noun

ˈle-vē How to pronounce levee (audio)
Definition of leveenext
1
as in dam
a bank of earth constructed to control water the raging floodwaters were too much for the levee to handle

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in wharf
a structure used by boats and ships for taking on or landing cargo and passengers we tied the boat up at the levee and started unloading the fish we had caught

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of levee As the final minutes began to bleed off the clock, the levee finally collapsed for Shrewsbury, as Richardson fired home a rocket through traffic to put Hingham ahead for good at 3-2. — Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 2 Mar. 2025 In the battle to control water, humanity has thrown everything at the problem—dams, levees, canals and other costly infrastructure projects. — Scott Travers, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025 In Tennessee, a state of emergency was declared by the local authorities after a levee broke near the small town of Rives, which has a population roughly 250, along the Obion river. — Dan Perry, Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025 The levee near Rives along the Obion River has failed, resulting in rapid onset flooding of the town of Rives and surrounding areas. — Elaine Mallon, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 16 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for levee
Recent Examples of Synonyms for levee
  1. dam
  2. wharf
  3. embankment
  4. dock
  5. pier
  6. quay
Noun
  • Studies of dams in Brazil show that deforestation caused by the dams reduce their potential for power generation by up to 10%, which while sounding modest, means for one plant, lost revenue of $21 million.
    — Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Its leaders agreed to build the dam six feet higher so that the reservoir had enough space to store 5,000 acre-feet of water to be used for environmental health purposes on South Boulder Creek, which flows out of the bottom of the dam.
    — Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of dam
Noun
  • As part of the agreement, the terminal operator has also committed to the replacement and maintenance of all wharf and berth structures.
    — Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 25 Mar. 2025
  • In celebration of the reopening, parking for the first two hours on the wharf will be free for the month.
    — Stephanie Lam, The Mercury News, 4 Jan. 2025
Definition of wharf
Noun
  • Investigators said the bus then went partially up the embankment off the highway near milepost 2 and rolled onto its left side.
    — Lauren Penington, The Denver Post, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Archaeologists began excavating and reconstructing the palace complex in the mid-1970s, including the original stone embankments, water conduit and drainage channel.
    — Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of embankment
Noun
  • It was moved away from its dock to allow the SpaceX Crew-9 capsule to dock.
    — Jennifer Borresen, USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Accessible only by boat or air, the island is less than a five-minute ride from the home’s dock.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of dock
Noun
  • Strong longshore currents can sweep swimmers and surfers into rip currents, piers, jetties and other hazardous areas.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Meet on the pier for a family meal at Surf's Up Grill & Bar.
    — Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of pier
Noun
  • The Romans established Londinium just north of the river’s marshy valley after invading Britain in 43 C.E. Colossal wooden quays stood on the ancient settlement’s riverbank.
    — Sean Kingsley, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Apr. 2025
  • On a dank quay beneath Paris’s Pont Alexandre III, a beauty moment of epic proportions was born.
    — Jessica Diner, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2025
Definition of quay

Browse Nearby Words

letups
levee
levees
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Cite this Entry

“Levee.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/levee. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on levee

Nglish: Translation of levee for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about levee

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