1
as in ships
a large craft for travel by water
a new ocean liner that claims to be the largest commercial vessel afloat
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2
as in boats
a small buoyant structure for travel on water
any vessel that is buoyant and steerable can be entered in the annual race down the river
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
4
as in containers
something into which a liquid or smaller objects can be put for storage or transportation
any watertight vessel can be used for mixing the paints
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of vessels
According to Navy records, the submarine sank two Japanese cargo vessels near Matsuwa Island before meeting with USS Barb on May 31 to coordinate patrol areas.
—
Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 2 June 2026
One hundred cargo-carrying vessels typically move through the waterway daily, according to shipping-data provider Lloyd’s List.
—Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Money, 2 June 2026
Cruise cancellations are relatively rare but do happen for reasons such as ship charters or when vessels need to go into dry dock for maintenance work or refurbishment.
—Nathan Diller, USA Today, 2 June 2026
Because the British navy was spread too thin, with too few warships available to police the Atlantic coastline, the armed fishing vessels were able to disrupt supply lines and keep the Revolution alive through its infancy.
—Christopher Magra, The Conversation, 2 June 2026
The Pentagon has destroyed numerous mines and over 40 minelaying vessels, a White House official told CNBC.
—Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 2 June 2026
Were the walnut water vessels on her windowsill conceptual sculptures?
—Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 1 June 2026
Originally built as wooden trading vessels, gulets have evolved into spacious, family-friendly rental options.
—Katia Damborsky, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
The Eastern Pacific and Caribbean are major corridors for narcotics trafficking, with cartels often using small, fast-moving vessels to transport drugs toward the United States and Central America.
—Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026
Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 2 June 2026
One hundred cargo-carrying vessels typically move through the waterway daily, according to shipping-data provider Lloyd’s List.
—Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Money, 2 June 2026
Cruise cancellations are relatively rare but do happen for reasons such as ship charters or when vessels need to go into dry dock for maintenance work or refurbishment.
—Nathan Diller, USA Today, 2 June 2026
Because the British navy was spread too thin, with too few warships available to police the Atlantic coastline, the armed fishing vessels were able to disrupt supply lines and keep the Revolution alive through its infancy.
—Christopher Magra, The Conversation, 2 June 2026
The Pentagon has destroyed numerous mines and over 40 minelaying vessels, a White House official told CNBC.
—Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 2 June 2026
Were the walnut water vessels on her windowsill conceptual sculptures?
—Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 1 June 2026
Originally built as wooden trading vessels, gulets have evolved into spacious, family-friendly rental options.
—Katia Damborsky, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
The Eastern Pacific and Caribbean are major corridors for narcotics trafficking, with cartels often using small, fast-moving vessels to transport drugs toward the United States and Central America.
—Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vessels
Noun
-
Over the last ten years, aerospace and defense manufacturers have used the EBAM process to supply structural titanium and specialized alloy components for commercial aircraft, naval ships, and defense systems.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
3 June 2026
-
The Navy remained consistent with its promise to deliver a total of 122 manned ships and 63 unmanned platforms over the course of five years.—
Shelby Talcott,
semafor.com,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
In April 1848, the surviving crew abandoned the vessels and tried escaping on foot and by dragging boats across the Arctic terrain, but no one survived.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
30 May 2026
-
Leo either would have been in complete denial that such equipment existed, or immensely pleased that boats no longer had to be crashed onto the beach.—
Joe Soucheray,
Twin Cities,
30 May 2026
Noun
-
It's been expanding the number of products and shelf space, including with recent additions such as ramen bowls and Asian Oreo flavors.—
Laya Neelakandan,
CNBC,
29 May 2026
-
Hoping to help add a personal touch to the otherwise bare houses, Talia reached out to Ariela about making bowls, cups and plates for them.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
Eco effort Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco has EV charging stations, vegan and vegetarian dining options, and utilizes recyclable plastic to-go containers.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
Moreover, the vessel features a highly modular 150-metric-ton payload capacity that can accommodate standard ISO containers for logistics, research, and surveillance missions.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
Guests book by cabin rather than chartering the entire vessel, while still experiencing the intimacy and flexibility typically associated with smaller private yachts.—
Rachel Ingram,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
-
Boats and yachts greater than 30 feet can stay in a marina or tie off in a canal.—
Orlando Sentinel Staff,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 May 2026
Noun
-
Sit inside or outside and enjoy delectable dishes, from Puerto Rican–style crab fritters to a swankier rendition of Mofongo.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 May 2026
-
For Christina Conrad, a local private chef of Vietnamese decent, attended and served Vietnamese dishes.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vessels.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vessels. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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