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 Kevin Burns and his friend, who Barbera did not identify, had paddled about half a mile offshore to a reef, secured their boards and got into the water to snorkel, Burns’ friend told deputies. — Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 17 Aug. 2026 For active weekend or midweek warriors, Nantucket offers miles upon miles of bike paths and nearly endless opportunities for paddling. — Josh Roberts, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026 To catch sharks, some anglers paddle out to deeper waters, drop the bait and then pull in the sharks from reels on the beach. — Tom Hanson, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026 Until then, physicists will keep paddling around for answers deep underground. — James Dinneen, Quanta Magazine, 7 Aug. 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
  • Visitors can kayak through salt marshes, take dolphin cruises, visit neighboring Sullivan’s Island, and dine at casual seafood restaurants.
    — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 2026
  • From late September through October, visitors can stroll the Reno Riverwalk, explore Rancho San Rafael Park or venture to nearby North Lake Tahoe to kayak crystal-clear waters and hike Monkey Rock for sweeping lake and foliage views.
    — Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of kayak
Verb
  • There was the physician who analyzed the growth rate of his fingernails for 35 years and the geologist who looked into why his colleagues lick rocks.
    — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 4 Sep. 2026
  • An ancient Nazi scientist (Dan Stevens) crawling across a carpet to lick a woman’s stilettoed foot.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of lick
Verb
  • Yes, the automaker’s famed dual-clutch PDK remains the way to go if pure speed is what a driver craves, but those who feel that rowing through the gears adds to the experience can now choose to upgrade the model with the MT package.
    — Bryan Campbell, Robb Report, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The injured passenger was moved to row 12, where a passenger who is a doctor tended to him.
    — Josh Funk, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of row
Verb
  • Voters may not buy it, and politicians may find themselves on the bad side of a president who’s been known to lash out against those who oppose him.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2026
  • This week’s meeting of G20 finance ministers underscored rising global trade tensions, with several countries, including the US, lashing out at China.
    — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 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
  • Into the work, esparza’s has also added a scene from the Florentine Codex showing a Spaniard whipping an Indigenous person and images of ICE raids in LA and Chicago, connecting centuries of oppression together.
    — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Many Hoosiers whip out their smartphones to pay for a latte or a drink at a bar.
    — Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 2 Sep. 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
  • Yes, that’s right, the world’s most famous nude sculpture was once outfitted with a belt of 28 copper leaves to hide its genitalia.
    — Alicja Zelazko, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Avoid walking through tall grass, rocky areas or other places where snakes might hide, such as wildflower or bluebonnet patches.
    — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 2 Sep. 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 8 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on paddle

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about paddle

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