What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
seawall
Example
The city built a seawall to protect the beach from erosion. [seawall: noun]
Example
The seawall was damaged during the storm and needed repairs. [seawall: noun]
breakwater
Example
The breakwater was constructed to protect the harbor from strong waves. [breakwater: noun]
Example
The captain steered the ship towards the breakwater to seek shelter from the storm. [breakwater: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Seawall is more commonly used than breakwater in everyday language. Seawall is a more versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while breakwater is more specific to marine engineering and harbor protection.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between seawall and breakwater?
Both seawall and breakwater are formal terms that are typically used in technical or professional contexts related to marine engineering, coastal management, and harbor protection.
