Synonyms for

Straits

Verb / streɪts / Another word for straits — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A narrow passage of water connecting two large bodies of water.

Synonyms & similar words

pass sound strait head channel passage narrow inlet sound estuary fjord gut entrance waterway thoroughfare canal sluice lock gate aqueduct pipe conduit tube vent

Synonyms by register

Formal

predicament difficulty adversity hardship

Informal

tight spot pickle jam bind mess

Literary

quandary plight tribulation

Antonyms

ease comfort prosperity advantage plenty wealth

Common collocations

  • narrow straits
  • financial straits
  • difficult straits
  • dire straits
  • economic straits
  • political straits
  • deep straits

Word family

noun strait

Usage note

The word 'straits' is most commonly used in the plural to refer to a difficult situation, especially a financial one. It can also refer to a narrow passage of water.

Example sentences

  1. The ship had to navigate through the dangerous straits to reach the other side.
  2. The straits were too narrow for two ships to pass at the same time.
  3. The straits were filled with strong currents and whirlpools.
  4. The explorers had to cross the icy straits to reach the other side.
  5. The straits were an important trade route between two continents.

Quotes

  • Life is a journey through many straits. There's never a straight path.
  • There are always two choices. Two paths to take. One is easy. And its only reward is that it's easy.
  • I have been in the most dangerous places, but I have never felt safer than I did in the straits of Gibraltar.

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