as in ditch
a long narrow channel dug in the earth
dug a trench and filled it with water in an attempt to keep the forest fire off her property
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Recent Examples of trench
Separation is accomplished by building elevated tracks, like Metrorail in Miami, or building tunnels or trenches to take trains below street level.
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Brittany Wallman, Miami Herald, 18 Dec. 2025
Each robot can operate independently or physically connect with others to handle obstacles such as steps, gaps, trenches, and ledges.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 16 Dec. 2025
The river tumbles and seethes through 278 miles of Grand Canyon National Park, taking its geologic time in carving a trench now deeper than a mile.
—Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 15 Dec. 2025
That's where the Pacific Plate beneath Japan forms the two trenches — the Japan Trench and Chishima Trench — that have caused many large quakes in the past.
—CBS News, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for trench
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trench
Noun
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Four days after her disappearance, Amber’s body was found in a drainage ditch with cuts, including to her throat.—
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According to investigators, the man was driving a Chevrolet Silverado northbound on Kilgore Road when the truck left the roadway, entered a ditch and overturned.—
Noun
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Tiny gaps around garages, vents, gutters, and foundations let mice squeeze inside unless openings are properly sealed.—
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Some other key tips to consider include clearing your gutters and checking your roof for anything that could cause problems.—
Noun
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Three animal control officers returned to the area and used the thermal drone to pinpoint the exact location of the missing pet, then waded through dense brush and a steep ravine to bring the animal to safety, Animal Services Manager Kyle Werner said.—
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Even after authorities located Airen’s body down a large ravine in rural Bates County, many questions lingered.—
Cite this Entry
“Trench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trench. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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