as in shallow
lacking significant physical depth
shoal waters of the bay meant that our ship had to be moored a considerable distance from shore
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 shoal
Kerry Breen, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
As the southern Gulf Stream clashes with the northern Labrador Current, the rough waters steer sailors toward shallow shoals and ultimate disaster.
—Brian Higgins, Outside, 2 Mar. 2026
Under the cover of night on July 30, 1949, the Amethyst quenched all its lights on board and shadowed a passing Chinese merchant ship, the Kiangling Liberation, following it through the tricky shoals of the river.
—Anne Ewbank, Popular Science, 18 Feb. 2026
The little sluiceways through the shoals were only a few inches deep, so the coontail moss was also that much closer to the surface.
—Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shoal
Noun
The island is surrounded by reefs and shoals, and is home to several historical sites, parks and viewpoints.
—Kerry Breen, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
As the southern Gulf Stream clashes with the northern Labrador Current, the rough waters steer sailors toward shallow shoals and ultimate disaster.
—Brian Higgins, Outside, 2 Mar. 2026
Under the cover of night on July 30, 1949, the Amethyst quenched all its lights on board and shadowed a passing Chinese merchant ship, the Kiangling Liberation, following it through the tricky shoals of the river.
—Anne Ewbank, Popular Science, 18 Feb. 2026
The little sluiceways through the shoals were only a few inches deep, so the coontail moss was also that much closer to the surface.
—Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shoal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shoal
Adjective
-
In dry climates, where rainfall is limited but dew may be common, an extensive network of shallow roots may be better equipped to maximize absorption of any moisture that touches the soil.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
4 June 2026
-
They are gathered for the most part in shallow high-mountain ponds in the Rockies.—
Byron W. Dalrymple,
Outdoor Life,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
Closing the order books gives banks time to gauge demand ahead and advise the company on pricing.—
Bloomberg,
Oc Register,
8 June 2026
-
Of 10 bear market signposts tracked by the bank, seven were triggered in May, up from five in April and four in March.—
Tobias Burns,
CNBC,
8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shoal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shoal. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
