oar 1 of 2

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
Startled, Carter splashed the rabbit with an oar, prompting it to retreat. Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024 Instead, the risotto is cooked in cylinders the size of oil drums, heated by portable gas burners, and stirred with long wooden paddles that resemble oars. Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2024
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 Mute swans do put on bursts of speed by oaring with their huge webbed feet. National Geographic, 19 Oct. 2016 See All Example Sentences for oar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oar
Verb
  • On the other hand, families often choose to bike around the lakeshore or rent a kayak to paddle across the two-toned waters.
    Emese Maczko, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
  • Or paddle through the winding waterways of Eco-Odyssée Nature Park, where channels wind through beaver habitats.
    Bonjour Québec, AFAR Media, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Trump has rowed back on his initial comments about bringing a quick end to the three-year conflict.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Even so, Amorim did not row back on his promise to play the youngsters.
    Mark Critchley, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • But canoeing over open water, defenseless in an aluminum craft that couldn’t stop a bullet any better than a sheet of paper, Ethan’s fear gets white hot.
    Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Amenities skew low-key, including a noteworthy free breakfast, afternoon coffee and tea, and canoeing on Moraine Lake.
    Laura Studarus, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Oar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oar. Accessed 14 May. 2025.

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