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
Sara Holdren, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2026
Long metal rods doubled as swords, oars and crutches — used as both an artistic instrument and a tool to help actors with amputations keep balance.
—ABC News, 21 Feb. 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
Once the media sticks its oar in, the real reason for the robbery emerges by degrees.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2026
Long metal rods doubled as swords, oars and crutches — used as both an artistic instrument and a tool to help actors with amputations keep balance.
—ABC News, 21 Feb. 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 University of Texas lists 21 rowers who are international students on their women’s rowing roster.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 May 2026
-
For rowers, this is the big moment.—
Wakisha Bailey,
CBS News,
8 May 2026
Verb
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Some shaggy buffalo drowsed in a patch of shade, and a hose fed water into a large puddle where a white goose paddled in tight circles.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
14 May 2026
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Go scuba diving, take a glass-bottom boat tour, or paddle a kayak.—
Lisa A. Beach,
Southern Living,
10 May 2026
Verb
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According to Emilia, Esteban turned up drunk and high and started rowing vociferously with other spectators.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
16 May 2026
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Political 'psychodrama' Deutsche Bank analysts noted how Burnham partially rowed back some of last year's comments on the bond markets, highlighting his comment in February that they should not be ignored.—
Hugh Leask,
CNBC,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Plan to kayak the aqua waters with Ecology Outfitters or rent a pontoon from Elkhart Watersports.—
Katy Spratte Joyce,
Midwest Living,
31 Mar. 2026
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To take your trip beyond the town limits, kayak the river with a rental from Hudson Paddles or head to the Empire State Trail, which has an entry point just blocks from downtown.—
Sarah Cahalan,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Try canoeing the Colorado River, ATV riding on the Imperial Sand Dunes, or sample fresh produce because Yuma delights with plentiful agritourism, too.—
Stephanie Vermillion,
Outside,
4 Jan. 2026
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My childhood was spent in the Blue Ridge Mountains, camping in the Peaks of Otter, and canoeing down the James River.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Oar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oar. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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