tar 1 of 2

noun

ˈtär How to pronounce tar (audio)
Definition of tarnext
as in sailor
one who operates or navigates a seagoing vessel a book about the adventurous lives of tars, skippers, and pirates of the 18th century

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tar

2 of 2

verb

as in to soil

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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 tar
Noun
The process also generated minimal smoke and tar compared with conventional biomass treatment methods. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 June 2026 Normally, that involves making stone tools, butchering deer, or distilling birch tar. — ArsTechnica, 2 June 2026
Verb
It was tarred, feathered and run out of town on a Brightline rail. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2026 House Bill 1095 is a good piece of legislation tarred by a bad amendment that loosens requirements for public notices. — The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 28 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tar
  1. sailor
  2. soil
  3. mariner
  4. dirty
  5. salt
  6. smear
  7. navigator
  8. smudge
Noun
  • Thousands of sailors remain stranded in the region, unable to return home or keep the world’s supply of oil flowing.
    — Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The 45-year-old veteran sailor's journey takes him across the North Atlantic, along the Russian Arctic coast and eventually through the Northwest Passage in Canada.
    — Henry Larson, NPR, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of sailor
Verb
  • Brazzale says patients who are declining may worry about soiling themselves, losing their dignity, or being moved out of their home at the end.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 5 Aug. 2026
  • People are reportedly soiling themselves at Noah Kahan‘s concerts.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2026
Definition of soil
Noun
  • At one point, up to 20,000 mariners and 2,000 ships were stuck in the Gulf, with only a few vessels squeezing through the strait each day.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 27 July 2026
  • In other developments, the International Maritime Organization said at least 6,000 mariners were stranded on about 400 vessels around the Strait of Hormuz.
    — Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of mariner
Verb
  • Satisfy your lasagna craving without dirtying up a pile of dishes.
    — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 9 July 2026
  • The zipper shoe compartment keeps your shoes from dirtying up your clothing, and the massive interior can hold many outfits for your weekend getaway.
    — Olivia Dubyak, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2026
Definition of dirty
Noun
  • Remove from the heat and add the peanut butter, vanilla and salt.
    — David Morgan, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The kitchen didn’t have the basics ‒ not even sugar, salt, or coffee.
    — Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of salt
Verb
  • The atmosphere works on them a little bit harder and reduces their strength and smears them a little bit more.
    — Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Camille can still picture Burke standing over her, fake blood smeared across her dress.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of smear
Noun
  • Allison Espeseth is Director of Covering Wisconsin, which is Wisconsin’s navigator program and a part of University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension.
    — Rebecca Myerson, STAT, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Supporters of the theory believe that Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan became stranded on the remote island after failing to reach Howland Island — possibly dying as castaways.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of navigator
Verb
  • Best mascara This mascara uses a brush with nearly 500 micro bristles to coat and lift every lash without clumping or smudging.
    — Casey DelBasso, ABC News, 31 July 2026
  • Finish with a tubing mascara, which is less likely to run or smudge throughout the day.
    — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 27 July 2026
Definition of smudge

Browse Nearby Words

taps
tar
taradiddle
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Cite this Entry

“Tar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tar. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tar

Nglish: Translation of tar for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tar

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