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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
On a Boston escalator, a few people pull imaginary oars, and the commuters around them reach for an oar of their own. — Julia Dhar, Time, 11 July 2026 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
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
  • The eight-episode show follows rower Teagan Tao (played by Miku Martineau), who joins an elite prep school’s all-boys crew team after her life is upended by a family scandal.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Several others were Olympic rowers, with a weightlifter, Olympic gladiator and NASA engineer rounding out the team.
    — Madeleine Kashkooli, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of rower
Verb
  • Every morning, before surfers paddled out, the longtime Venice resident described swells, winds and surf conditions to his followers, becoming for some the town’s trusted surf chronicler.
    — Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • From paddling downtown to ziplining over Lake Travis, here's where to go, all within an hour of DKR.
    — Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of paddle
Verb
  • In 2020, Steinberg successfully rowed over 2,500 miles from Monterey, California to Kaneohe, Hawaii alone in a 23-foot rowboat across 71 days.
    — Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of row
Verb
  • Visitors can kayak through salt marshes, take dolphin cruises, visit neighboring Sullivan’s Island, and dine at casual seafood restaurants.
    — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 2026
  • 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
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 20 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on oar

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oar

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