breakwater
6 synonyms for breakwater, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A barrier built in or near a harbour to reduce the sea's force and give boats shelter.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
Formed from break and water. Compare Dutch breekwater (“breakwater”), and compare firebreak.
Full origin of breakwater →