as in rowers
a person who drives a boat forward by means of oars
"All oars ho!" the boatswain ordered
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Recent Examples of oars
Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 Apr. 2026
When Rockwell brought in outdoorsy ephemera like boat oars, snowshoes, and flags, the clients weren’t sure about it.
—Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 16 Apr. 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
Now as sailors stepped out into the surf, a great crowd tried to take oars off the first sloop.
—Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
The only noise is the dip-dip of oars and the ethereal screech of horseshoe bats.
—Tristan Rutherford, Robb Report, 26 Jan. 2026
That is a highly technical presentation that requires the use of oars to manage the drift.
—Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 25 Jan. 2026
Rangel went on to describe what happened next, with the men using driftwood oars to attempt to row their vessel to the mainland before heavy winds ran them aground and wrecked the boat.
—Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 13 Dec. 2025
At the end of each stroke, when the insect lifts these oars from the water, the fans snap shut.
—Carl Zimmer, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
Noun
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
When Rockwell brought in outdoorsy ephemera like boat oars, snowshoes, and flags, the clients weren’t sure about it.
—Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 16 Apr. 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
Now as sailors stepped out into the surf, a great crowd tried to take oars off the first sloop.
—Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
The only noise is the dip-dip of oars and the ethereal screech of horseshoe bats.
—Tristan Rutherford, Robb Report, 26 Jan. 2026
That is a highly technical presentation that requires the use of oars to manage the drift.
—Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 25 Jan. 2026
Rangel went on to describe what happened next, with the men using driftwood oars to attempt to row their vessel to the mainland before heavy winds ran them aground and wrecked the boat.
—Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 13 Dec. 2025
At the end of each stroke, when the insect lifts these oars from the water, the fans snap shut.
—Carl Zimmer, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oars
Noun
-
While four rowers take turns on the boat, another two will follow in an RV to support, tagging in when the on-board athletes need a break.—
Patrick Connolly,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Just inside, the 1,500-square-foot fitness studio makes the most of the same vantage point, with floor-to-ceiling windows, Peloton bikes, rowers, and space for yoga.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Evelyn ran down from her seat two rows up, dropped to the ground and attempted to secure the ball in front of her.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Apr. 2026
-
What Happens Before Takeoff Before departure, flight attendants walk through the exit rows to ensure everything is ready.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Oars.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oars. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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