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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of oar
Literary Hub,
12 May 2026
When winds aren’t favorable, Kroehnke can still use a pair of oars to paddle along in his tiny ride.
—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
30 Apr. 2026
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
Noun
My father’s sleeves rolled up at the oars of the rowing boat.
—
Literary Hub,
12 May 2026
When winds aren’t favorable, Kroehnke can still use a pair of oars to paddle along in his tiny ride.
—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
30 Apr. 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
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
Noun
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The club serves between 75-100 rowers of all ages throughout the season.
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The title was ripped from a speech by Irish rowers Gary and Paul O’Donovan, who claimed the country’s first-ever medals in the sport at the Rio 2016 Olympics and quickly became overnight sensations for their underdog accomplishment.
Verb
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Throughout the afternoon, coaches offered free lessons on the sand to help people who were unfamiliar with paddling out learn what to expect, as well as one-on-one buddies for people in the water.
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Lifeguard Charlie Verco spotted Stewart being dragged under the water by the shark and paddled over to Stewart.
Verb
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Before this summer, Norway had not qualified for a World Cup in 28 years, but the team has now rowed its way into the knockout rounds.
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Lest anyone think that Norway’s competitive spirit has been diminished by its promotion to the round of 32, Haaland slipped in an aside that served as a reminder that his team basically rowed all the way here to the States in a longship.
Verb
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Ride a bike, stretch in a sculpture garden, and kayak a bayou.
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The calm waters of the Chesapeake Bay make Cape Charles’s beaches especially great for little ones and adventurers looking to paddle board or kayak the open water.
Verb
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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.
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Mary Swander, a 75-year-old theater director and former state poet laureate, fondly remembers learning to canoe and swim outdoors while growing up near the water.
Cite this Entry
“Oar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oar. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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