Synonyms of paddle

paddle

verb

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

• kayak
• row
• canoe
• oar
• scull
• pull
• pole
• punt
• feather

2

as in to lick

to strike repeatedly

back in those times it was acceptable for teachers to paddle misbehaving students

Synonyms & Similar Words

• lick
• lash
• whip
• hide
• pound
• beat
• batter
• spank
• bat
• slap
• pelt
• knock
• hit
• thump
• punch
• do
• assault
• attack
• chop
• slam
• smash
• hammer
• club
• maul
• punch out
• switch
• pummel
• belt
• tan
• slate
• bludgeon
• smack
• bash
• whale
• birch
• thrash
• raid
• curry
• buffet
• box
• work over
• lather
• swipe
• whup
• pommel
• whack
• lace
• slog
• wallop
• storm
• drub
• flog
• whop
• thresh
• rough (up)
• fib
• beat up on
• wound
• bung up
• strap
• swat
• tromp
• cane
• baste
• lambaste
• thwack
• crack
• sock
• belabor
• descend (on or upon)
• leather
• cudgel
• cuff
• mess (up)
• rush
• lay on
• flagellate
• paste
• clobber
• jump (on)
• pounce (on or upon)
• horsewhip
• clout
• whomp
• blackjack
• bust
• wham
• cowhide
• lam
• assail
• scourge
• rawhide
• lacerate
• beset
• pistol-whip
• mutilate
• gore
• mangle
• maim
• fustigate

Example Sentences

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