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 Those looking to paddle or cruise the shoreline can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and jet skis from local outfitters, including A1 Rentals. — Gabi De La Rosa, Southern Living, 29 July 2026 In 2025, Miami University in Ohio suspended its Kappa Alpha Psi chapter through 2040 after an investigation found prospective new members were subjected to physical abuse, including paddling and caning. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 27 July 2026 As a thank you, Bernat painted a picture of Seman paddling a canoe into the sunset. — Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026 Firefighters said in a Facebook post that the sweet pup was located using a drone, which found the pooch paddling by himself in San Francisco Bay. — Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 20 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
  • As the World Cup sees a surge in traveler interest in Norway, here’s how to kayak its fjords and feast in the outdoors like the Vikings once did.
    — Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Weather permitting, equipment is available so guests can kayak or paddleboard on the lake.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026
Definition of kayak
Verb
  • Her entire face got licked clean off her head when suburban floodwaters breached the cardboard hull protecting Kath’s basement memorabilia stack a few months before I was born.
    — Claire Carusillo, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
  • There’s truly nothing like licking that paper lid, then shoveling that tiny tongue depressor into a child-sized serving of vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
    — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of lick
Verb
  • The basic premise—people rowing together to a rhythm—does have a historical precedent.
    — Bailey Berg, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • Most of the time, however, would be spent rowing on one of the largest authentic ancient ships in the world, which was used specifically for filming the movie.
    — Alice Politi, Vanity Fair, 25 July 2026
Definition of row
Verb
  • The singer also lashed out at her parents, Jamie and Lynne Spears, on social media.
    — Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The president has responded to the MAGA criticism by lashing out repeatedly at dissenters, prompting Greene – once a top Trump supporter – not to run for reelection and Massie to lose his primary.
    — Zac Anderson, USA Today, 3 Aug. 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
  • Then, when Gonzalez tried to exit in Exposition Park to avoid further confrontation, Pitts whipped out a knife, prosecutors said.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026
  • In 2017, the object flew into our solar system, whipped around the sun like a comet, and flew back out.
    — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 6 Aug. 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
  • But the takeaway shouldn’t be fear that the US government is hiding the ball.
    — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Pickens County deputies are searching for a suspect caught on camera trying to use branches to hide their identity.
    — Dan Raby, CBS News, 5 Aug. 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 11 Aug. 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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