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Showing results for dam. Search instead for dam/2.
Definitions

dam

[dam] / dæm /
NOUN
embankment, wall
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bank barrier dike ditch gate levee
STRONG
barrage grade hindrance milldam millpond obstruction weir
Antonyms
STRONG
aid assistance help promotion
VERB
hold back; block
Synonyms
STRONGEST
clog
STRONG
bar barricade brake check choke close confine hinder impede obstruct repress restrain restrict retard slow suppress
WEAK
hold in stop up
Antonyms
STRONG
advance aid allow assist encourage facilitate forward free help let go liberate open permit promote push release support
WEAK
unblock unclog unloose

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.

It was structural the way a dam is structural — until someone finds a way around it.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

It provides strong evidence that fish relying on connected rivers across national borders are declining quickly due to dam construction, habitat fragmentation, pollution, overfishing, and climate-related ecosystem changes.

From Science Daily • Mar. 26, 2026

The authorities warned that a dam in Oahu, the state's most populous island, was at risk of collapse.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

Crops are already suffering from water shortages due to climate change and dam construction.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

They dam a river and leave the fish to die.

From "Pax" by Sara Pennypacker

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.