boat 1 of 2

noun

ˈbōt How to pronounce boat (audio)
Definition of boatnext
1
as in vessel
a small buoyant structure for travel on water paddling the little boat across the lake is great exercise, but tiring

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in ship
a large craft for travel by water you'll have to take a passenger boat to get to the island

Synonyms & Similar Words

boat

2 of 2

verb

as in to sail
to travel on water in a vessel boated to the picnic site on an island in the bay

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 boat
Noun
The small-boat crossings have been depicted as a crisis by politicians including Nigel Farage of the hard-right party Reform UK, and have been used as a rallying point by anti-immigration activists. — Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026 Last year, a couple vacationing in England jumped into the River Thames to rescue six people, including four children, after a boat exploded and caught fire. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
The 334-acre reservoir allows for boating, including sailboats, jet skiing, paddleboarding and kayaking. — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2026 Introduced in 1962, Carlo Riva’s shapely mahogany runabout had become boating’s ultimate status symbol, marrying flawless craftsmanship and twin-V-8 power with styling that defined la dolce vita. — Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for boat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for boat
  1. vessel
  2. ship
  3. sail
  4. yacht
  5. ferry
  6. canoe
  7. kayak
  8. raft
Noun
  • That move placed the vessel within Russia’s Pacific submarine force, which operates across the country’s eastern maritime approaches.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
  • These come in a simple tin vessel that goes well with any type of home decor.
    — Kara McGrath, Allure, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of vessel
Noun
  • The original bridge collapsed into the Patapsco River in March 2024 after a cargo ship lost power and struck it, killing six construction workers.
    — CBS Baltimore, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Its current cruise began in October 2024 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where the ship had been refitted.
    — Sopheng Cheang, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of ship
Verb
  • Passengers who were set to sail on the cruise will receive a full refund and will be assisted in getting back home, according to MSC.
    — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The ship, which had been scheduled to sail for Haifa in Israel with 940 passengers and 597 crew on board, was being evacuated as a precaution, the coast guard added.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of sail
Noun
  • To cause minimal impact on the environment, the yachts will be built off-site and placed on the desert floor by a massive crane.
    — Deborah Netburn, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Developed in partnership with Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design, the new Oyster P60 combines the space and stability of a multihull with the cruising capabilities of an offshore yacht.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of yacht
Verb
  • The truckers that have managed to ferry water into Taiz have in some cases tripled their rates to make the perilous journey.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Blue Origin and SpaceX each have multibillion-dollar contracts with the US space agency to develop vehicles capable of ferrying astronauts from NASA’s Orion spacecraft down to the lunar surface.
    — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of ferry
Noun
  • Boat ramps in the park can be used as access points for canoes and kayaks, but the wind can whip across Lake Hart west of the park and Lake Mary Jane to the east.
    — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The concierge can arrange morning canoe outings, paddleboarding, beach tennis, and weekend yoga classes; bicycles are also available for rent to ride along the waterfront.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of canoe
Noun
  • There’s also a genius Ritz-Venture & SeaVenture program offering a range of kayak excursions and jungle treks to secret beaches.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Paddle from the kayak launch inside the park with rentals and tours available or access the water from French Landing by bringing your own vessel.
    — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of kayak
Noun
  • That is, rafts of interior backstory and description that don’t obviously serve the plot.
    — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Some customers paddled by on rafts and boards, above what used to be the boardwalk.
    — Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of raft

Browse Nearby Words

boasts
boat
boated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Boat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/boat. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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