paddle

verb

Definition of paddlenext
1
as in to kayak
to move a boat by means of oars I like to paddle on the river for exercise and relaxation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to lick
to strike repeatedly back in those times it was acceptable for teachers to paddle misbehaving students

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 paddle Mystery illnesses have struck several groups of Grand Canyon rafters who paddled the Colorado River, prompting the National Park Service to investigate whether something in or along the river is making people sick. — Evan Bush, NBC news, 9 July 2026 This finding proved that, at least in robotics, a foot-paddling maneuver is completely unnecessary for liftoff. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 July 2026 There’s plenty to do here, including paddling the Crystal River or browsing art galleries. — Stacy Conde, Midwest Living, 9 July 2026 Surfers paddle through rolling waves, families crowding the shoreline, and tourists taking photos of the view. — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for paddle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paddle
  1. kayak
  2. lick
  3. row
  4. lash
  5. canoe
  6. whip
  7. oar
  8. hide
Verb
  • Weather permitting, equipment is available so guests can kayak or paddleboard on the lake.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026
  • Ride a bike, stretch in a sculpture garden, and kayak a bayou.
    — Jenny Adams, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2026
Definition of kayak
Verb
  • Grande licked one of them, and fans were immediately outraged by the moment.
    — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 16 July 2026
  • Some of the flames come close to licking the glass, as the wildfire blows across the tracks.
    — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 15 July 2026
Definition of lick
Verb
  • No brand strategist decided when Norwegian supporters should row through a train station, which city streets Dutch fans dressed in orange, or that Japanese fans should answer both victory and defeat with identical displays of respect and care.
    — Julia Dhar, Time, 11 July 2026
  • On Friday, hundreds of Miami locals joined Norwegians to help row their team to victory on Ocean Drive.
    — Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 11 July 2026
Definition of row
Verb
  • This time, Iran lashed out at nearby Gulf states, attacking Kuwait and Bahrain, both of which host American troops.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
  • The White House’s Rapid Response social media account also lashed out at CNN for opting against a live broadcast of the speech.
    — Tiago Ventura, Time, 17 July 2026
Definition of lash
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
Verb
  • Once Turek has finished writhing about on the floor in a shambolic attempt to gather, Czibor is on hand to whip the ball away and tuck it home from six yards, the simplest of tasks.
    — Adam Hurrey, New York Times, 17 July 2026
  • Zeus and Poseidon are at it again—one hurling thunderbolts, the other whipping the sea into a frenzy.
    — Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026
Definition of whip
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
Definition of oar
Verb
  • What was the thinking behind hiding this information up until the finale?
    — Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 15 July 2026
  • For most of the past century, mathematicians have been exploring the limits of Ramsey theory, the study of order hiding inside chaos—or, more accurately, how much disorder can be packed into a system before order must inevitably emerge.
    — Sam Macdonald, Scientific American, 15 July 2026
Definition of hide

Browse Nearby Words

paddings
paddle
paddleboat
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Cite this Entry

“Paddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paddle. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on paddle

Nglish: Translation of paddle for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about paddle

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