1
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
Video from early January shows the coyote paddling in the chilly San Francisco Bay and then struggling to get onto the rocky island.
—
ABC News, 5 May 2026
In the five-minute work, Pau employs snippets lifted from government newsreels, most notably footage of a swimming contest held at Victoria Harbor in the 1960s showing throngs of Hong Kong citizens launching themselves into the ocean and paddling enthusiastically.
—Pauline J. Yao, Artforum, 2 May 2026
SeaWorld’s sister park in Orlando, Florida, already hosts a nighttime drone show that features undulating manta rays, paddling sea turtles and hovering octopuses.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 1 May 2026
Wear a life jacket when swimming in or paddling on the water.
—Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for paddle
ABC News, 5 May 2026
In the five-minute work, Pau employs snippets lifted from government newsreels, most notably footage of a swimming contest held at Victoria Harbor in the 1960s showing throngs of Hong Kong citizens launching themselves into the ocean and paddling enthusiastically.
—Pauline J. Yao, Artforum, 2 May 2026
SeaWorld’s sister park in Orlando, Florida, already hosts a nighttime drone show that features undulating manta rays, paddling sea turtles and hovering octopuses.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 1 May 2026
Wear a life jacket when swimming in or paddling on the water.
—Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for paddle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paddle
Verb
-
Plan to kayak the aqua waters with Ecology Outfitters or rent a pontoon from Elkhart Watersports.—
Katy Spratte Joyce,
Midwest Living,
31 Mar. 2026
-
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
-
The parallels between Ines’ dilemma and that of a nation being asked to lick its wounds in silence — in the name of moving on from past miseries — are present but elusive.—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
14 May 2026
-
At one point A’zion licks the digitally de-aged Mick Jagger’s face.—
Ethan Millman,
HollywoodReporter,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
According to Emilia, Esteban turned up drunk and high and started rowing vociferously with other spectators.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
16 May 2026
-
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
-
In previous years, the 31-year-old originally from Chicago might have lashed back when accosted on the ice.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
9 May 2026
-
Lively has maintained this approach was in line with the press tactic laid out for her by Sony, but the internet quickly lashed out at her given the film’s serious subject matter.—
Jami Ganz,
New York Daily News,
9 May 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
-
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
Verb
-
There’s also a menu of small snacks, with mezzes like hummus, tzatziki, whipped feta, falafel, halloumi, artichoke and eggplant.—
Connie Ogle
May 15,
Miami Herald,
15 May 2026
-
The one-time Ducks first-round draft pick whipped a shot through traffic from just above the slot.—
Andrew Knoll,
Oc Register,
15 May 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,
National Geographic,
19 Oct. 2016
Verb
-
That day, Riley had been editing a sequence in which Corvette sneaks into a San Francisco condo owned by Christie, her fashion idol, by hiding inside a coffee delivery cart.—
Emily Nussbaum,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
-
Bugs also tend to hide inside packaging, seams, or even the food itself.—
Kate Van Pelt,
The Spruce,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Paddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paddle. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
