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 Piragis reported that about 50 customers were paddling in separate groups of two to nine individuals when the closure began. — Kris Millgate, Outdoor Life, 16 July 2026 Create your own camp schedule with activities including paddling and swimming around the lake, fishing, hiking, croquet, golf, pickleball, tennis, or just lounging at the kid-friendly pool complete with a snack shack. — Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 16 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 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
  • That means no tasting cookie dough made with raw eggs, no licking brownie batter off the beaters, and no homemade Caesar dressing made with uncooked yolks.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 23 July 2026
  • The best restaurant sauces can tempt even the most prim and proper of us to lift up our plates and lick them clean.
    — Rochelle Bilow, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 July 2026
Definition of lick
Verb
  • After kidnapping Sam, Borden rows away from shore and raises a shotgun to his chin.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 22 July 2026
  • The Norwegian fans were delightful, rowing up escalators to the rhythm of their bass drum.
    — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
Definition of row
Verb
  • Iran’s foreign minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, also lashed out at Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelensky.
    — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
  • Some lashed out at United’s fan representatives — volunteers who have been working behind the scenes to try to help.
    — Andy Mitten, New York Times, 22 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
  • Iguanas usually go viral for other reasons Iguanas are usually quick-moving and run away from their would-be captors with their long tails whipping behind them.
    — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 24 July 2026
  • The attorney questioned whether a person would be able to smell alcohol at the same time that wind generated by 18-wheelers and other vehicles whipping by on the highway was blowing, as was occurring during the officer’s time with Hampton.
    — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 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
  • The tree in Athens isn’t likely to make it through the construction of a new $225 million courthouse, despite some interest in preserving the piece of history hiding in plain sight.
    — Cassidy Alexander, AJC.com, 23 July 2026
  • The tinkerer believes there is always another possibility hiding beneath the surface of failure.
    — Lintao "LT" Lu, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of hide

Browse Nearby Words

paddings
paddle
paddleboat
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Paddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paddle. Accessed 28 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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