oar 1 of 2

noun

ˈȯr How to pronounce oar (audio)
Definition of oarnext
as in rower
a person who drives a boat forward by means of oars "All oars ho!" the boatswain ordered

Synonyms & Similar Words

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oar

2 of 2

verb

as in to paddle
to move a boat by means of oars since the wind had completely died, they had to oar the sailboat back to shore

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of oar
Noun
The virtual oar-yanking celebration in a baseball atmosphere was one of those weird juxtapositions that seem to get fostered whenever a World Cup fanbase descends upon a host city. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 26 June 2026 Where the Battle of the Gullet struggles isn’t to do with how handmade the gunwales are, nor how battered the oars. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 24 June 2026
Verb
For centuries, Vikings navigated these waters by sail and oar; today, ferries and charter boats offer comfortable, scenic access to the islands. — Caroline Van Hemert, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for oar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oar
  1. rower
  2. paddle
  3. row
  4. kayak
  5. canoe
Noun
  • There is a gym, which has one treadmill, one rower, a stationary bike, and an elliptical machine, plus bands and weights.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The trailer introduces audiences to 16-year-old Teagan Tao (Miku Martineau), a high-school student and star rower whose life is upended when her father’s misdeeds come to light, forcing she and her mom to relocate to the east coast.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of rower
Verb
  • For active weekend or midweek warriors, Nantucket offers miles upon miles of bike paths and nearly endless opportunities for paddling.
    — Josh Roberts, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026
  • To catch sharks, some anglers paddle out to deeper waters, drop the bait and then pull in the sharks from reels on the beach.
    — Tom Hanson, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of paddle
Verb
  • Yes, the automaker’s famed dual-clutch PDK remains the way to go if pure speed is what a driver craves, but those who feel that rowing through the gears adds to the experience can now choose to upgrade the model with the MT package.
    — Bryan Campbell, Robb Report, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The injured passenger was moved to row 12, where a passenger who is a doctor tended to him.
    — Josh Funk, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of row
Verb
  • From late September through October, visitors can stroll the Reno Riverwalk, explore Rancho San Rafael Park or venture to nearby North Lake Tahoe to kayak crystal-clear waters and hike Monkey Rock for sweeping lake and foliage views.
    — Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Test your skills at paddleboarding with Anchored Soul or kayak your way through the coastline with a rental from Riverside Paddle & Row.
    — Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of kayak
Verb
  • Before tucking into an unforgettable meal, head to the Pickering Creek Audubon Center to hike or canoe around the marsh, or spend a couple of hours exploring the historic downtown area.
    — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 16 June 2026
  • On the surface level, there are over 80 miles of trails, with varying degrees of difficulty and opportunities to canoe, kayak, or boat on the Green River.
    — Bailey Berg, Forbes.com, 15 June 2026
Definition of canoe

Browse Nearby Words

oafs
oar
oared
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Cite this Entry

“Oar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oar. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on oar

Nglish: Translation of oar for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oar

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