Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for backwater. Search instead for bathwaters.
Definitions

backwater

[bak-waw-ter, -wot-er] / ˈbækˌwɔ tər, -ˌwɒt ər /


ADJECTIVE
back country
Synonyms




Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Not long ago, China was a backwater for drug research.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

Her persona is part space alien, part naïf of some Baltic backwater.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 21, 2025

America’s transformation during the 19th century from an agrarian backwater into a global power was captained by men who engaged in maneuvers that would be completely illegal today but weren’t at the time.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 2, 2025

Olympics, but Southern California — which did not have a Russian Consulate — was considered a backwater in the Cold War spy game.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2025

It creates a backwater eddy—a dimple, if you will.

From "Red Kayak" by Priscilla Cummings




Vocabulary lists containing backwater


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "backwater" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com