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 She was pictured paddling in a kayak and playing beach volleyball with her fiancé Danny Fujikawa and their daughter Rani. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 27 June 2026 Throughout the afternoon, coaches offered free lessons on the sand to help people who were unfamiliar with paddling out learn what to expect, as well as one-on-one buddies for people in the water. — Gabrielle Gillette, Mercury News, 23 June 2026 Outdoors lovers of all ages and skill levels can paddle and hike to their hearts’ content or just let the immense beauty of the park wash over them like a wave. — Robert Annis, Midwest Living, 21 June 2026 Kayak Through Mangroves and Clear Water The Lower Keys are made for paddling. — Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 20 June 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
  • As flames licked at the fabric and smoke curled toward the ceiling, an overcapacity crowd of more than 1,800 panicked, rushing for the exits and jamming against doors that opened inward.
    — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2026
  • Signs paws have already been burned include limping, refusing to walk, licking or chewing feet, darker or damaged pads and visible blisters or redness.
    — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026
Definition of lick
Verb
  • The transmission is actually connected to the engine, which means that rowing through the gears is real and not simulated unlike with another of this week’s big debuts.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 8 July 2026
  • On July 3, Kelsey Pfendler became the fastest person to row solo from California to Hawaii, completing the 2,400-mile crossing in 43 days.
    — Kim Elsesser, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of row
Verb
  • The president continued to lash out at other NATO allies over Iran.
    — Fritz Farrow, ABC News, 7 July 2026
  • Ukrainian officials have warned residents to guard against further strikes as Russia lashes out.
    — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 2 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
  • Vanilla ice cream was layered with strawberry sauce, pound cake pieces, strawberry crunch, whipped topping and fresh strawberries, then served with cinnamon-sugar chips fried in-house.
    — Tristan Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2026
  • The next morning, the wind whipped the lake to a froth, making the crossing to the river’s outlet impossible.
    — John Todd, Outdoor Life, 9 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 cover over the logo was cut precisely in the outline of the Levi’s logo – leaving no doubt what the tarp was hiding.
    — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
  • Wrap a wide ribbon multiple times around to hide the elastic to elevate the classic look.
    — Odeya Pinkus, InStyle, 8 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 13 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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