sail 1 of 2

verb

Definition of sailnext
1
as in to boat
to travel on water in a vessel I can't sail when there's any breeze at all because I get seasick easily

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to flow
to move or proceed smoothly and readily sailed through the latest assignment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to hover
to rest or move along the surface of a liquid or in the air a leaf sailed by, carried by the breeze

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sail

2 of 2

noun

ˈsāl How to pronounce sail (audio)
as in voyage
a journey over water in a vessel we went for a brief sail on the bay to relax

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 sail
Verb
These taxa are therefore more likely to survive the transport and establish themselves in the regions where the ships will sail. — Abhishek Bhardwaj, Interesting Engineering, 29 July 2026 That connection comes into focus on the Lake-to-Estate Voyage, sailing from the Kelowna Yacht Club to three of the city’s best vineyards and tracing the journey from water to wine. — Lisa Kadane, Travel + Leisure, 29 July 2026
Noun
The replicas may be faster, but the slender hulls and immense sail plans remain the visual draws of the entire fleet. — Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 18 July 2026 Dream and Wish also head to Southampton for three‑ and four‑night sails to Belgium, Spain or the Netherlands, while the smaller Wonder and Magic spend November to April making quick runs to Baja from San Diego and the Yucatan from Galveston. — David Dickstein, Oc Register, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sail
  1. boat
  2. flow
  3. hover
  4. voyage
  5. ferry
  6. cruise
  7. float
  8. glide
Verb
  • Down at the lake, boats just off the shore slowed to listen while swimmers took in the music from floaties.
    — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026
  • In Valencia, a number of boating outfitters are offering eclipse-viewing charters since La Malvarrosa beach, the city’s official viewing spot, faces east, meaning viewers will need to look inland to see the eclipse.
    — Catherine Tansey, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 July 2026
Definition of boat
Verb
  • After Klee announced his death on July 25, tributes flowed on social media for the little dog whose cancer diagnosis was revealed in May.
    — Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Quixotic aerialists twisted, turned and unfolded above the crowd, using flowing fabric and butterfly-inspired movements to mirror the creatures being celebrated.
    — Sophia Buonpane, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of flow
Verb
  • As a result, the average restaurant profit margin now hovers between a precarious 3% and 5%, and industry data suggests that up to 42% of restaurants are currently struggling just to stay in the black.
    — Robert Messer, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • With the global benchmark for oil currently hovering near $90 per barrel, China’s dramatic dip in oil exports—by close to 4 million barrels daily—is the biggest reason why prices aren’t much higher.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 31 July 2026
Definition of hover
Noun
  • Even the modest changes this reprieve has allowed—at roughly three voyages every two days—have added up to tens of millions of gallons of domestic oil staying in the country instead of going overseas.
    — James Surowiecki, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026
  • Elsewhere, a dining table converts into a puzzle and craft table, while the owner’s suite wraps around the mizzen mast and connects directly to a private study designed for working remotely during extended voyages.
    — Dea Jusufi, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of voyage
Verb
  • On a visit to Grand Cayman during a 2024 trip with Disney Cruise Line, Lee, who uses a wheelchair, was able to board and disembark the tender – a small boat used to ferry guests between an anchored cruise ship and the shore – via a portable ramp.
    — Nathan Diller, USA Today, 31 July 2026
  • Soufflet Vigne, the French agricultural supply and winemaking service company, ferried back and forth water tanks and pumps typically used for fermentation and production to provide water sources for firefighters.
    — Kate Dingwall, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 July 2026
Definition of ferry
Verb
  • If cruising the coastline (on two or four wheels) is on your wish list, cars can access the private 17-Mile Drive via multiple gates.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Norwegian calls it the Studio Complex—cabins designed for one, without the sting of the single supplement that can double the cost of cruising alone.
    — Belinda Luksic, Southern Living, 31 July 2026
Definition of cruise
Verb
  • While HoloHolo Grill is the only restaurant onsite, Kōloa Landing Resort does have a free-standing snack shack poolside serving shave ice and root beer floats along with a handy marketplace just off the lobby.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Gualtieri said the property tax ballot amendment is not the proposal that DeSantis first floated to voters and questioned why there were no protections for public safety funding.
    — Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of float
Verb
  • The countless repetitions give you the most beautiful art form where swans glide, fairies dance and every year a giant nutcracker appears.
    — Chrissie Leong, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
  • And there was Nacua, gliding underneath the pass and taking it to the end zone to a roar of cheers.
    — Nate Atkins, New York Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of glide

Phrases Containing sail

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said uncle
sail
sailboat
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Cite this Entry

“Sail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sail. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sail

Nglish: Translation of sail for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sail

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