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
The Houthi militants who have been attacking commercial vessels since late 2023 in response to Israel’s offensive against Hamas have not declared a ceasefire of their own.
—
Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 24 Oct. 2025
The captain met us on the dock of The Asticou’s sibling hotel, The Claremont in Southwest Harbor, where the properties share a pair of vintage vessels.
—Sarah Bruning, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2025
Three vessels were hit this week, bringing the number of targets destroyed to 10, with eight strikes in the Caribbean and two in the Eastern Pacific.
—Emily Goodin, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2025
The operations have mostly targeted vessels linked to Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua network.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025
The remaining vessels were observed transiting in the East China Sea, west of Japan's Ryukyu Islands.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
There is a lot of red—99 naval and coast guard vessels, to be precise, completely encircling Taiwan during PLA exercises last December.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
The containerized system could serve as an interim measure while permanent vertical-launch solutions are developed for future vessels.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025
Northwest winds of 15 to 25 knots, with gusts up to 30 knots, and waves of 5 to 8 feet are forecasted, creating hazardous conditions for small vessels.
—Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 24 Oct. 2025
The captain met us on the dock of The Asticou’s sibling hotel, The Claremont in Southwest Harbor, where the properties share a pair of vintage vessels.
—Sarah Bruning, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2025
Three vessels were hit this week, bringing the number of targets destroyed to 10, with eight strikes in the Caribbean and two in the Eastern Pacific.
—Emily Goodin, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2025
The operations have mostly targeted vessels linked to Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua network.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025
The remaining vessels were observed transiting in the East China Sea, west of Japan's Ryukyu Islands.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
There is a lot of red—99 naval and coast guard vessels, to be precise, completely encircling Taiwan during PLA exercises last December.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
The containerized system could serve as an interim measure while permanent vertical-launch solutions are developed for future vessels.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025
Northwest winds of 15 to 25 knots, with gusts up to 30 knots, and waves of 5 to 8 feet are forecasted, creating hazardous conditions for small vessels.
—Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vessels
Noun
-
For example, almost all ships don't allow irons, and while liquor isn't allowed in luggage, cruise lines often permit passengers to bring bottles of wine.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
24 Oct. 2025
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If comfort is your priority, look for newer or refurbished ships with stabilizers, spacious cabins, multiple dining venues, and wellness facilities.—
Ashton Palmer,
Travel + Leisure,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Meanwhile, strikes against Venezuelan boats have killed at least 32 people and raised jitters in the region.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
-
The White House hasn’t given a direct answer to why those on the boats are being killed instead of captured and charged with drug trafficking.—
Emily Goodin,
Miami Herald,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Some people drained their toilet bowls in order to breathe air through the plumbing as the smoke lingered and covered them in yellow soot.—
Julia Coin,
Charlotte Observer,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Threshold 4-Piece Porcelain Plaid Bowls Give your dinnerware a boost of charm with these Threshold bowls.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Make sure to always seal your containers tightly to keep them fresh.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
26 Oct. 2025
-
Open alcohol containers and six additional shell casings were found at the original crime scene, according to the release.—
Shannon Tyler,
Idaho Statesman,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Both yachts are built on Heesen’s 55m Steel platform, featuring a Fast Displacement Hull Form by Van Oossanen Naval Architects and exterior styling by Omega Architects.—
Julia Zaltzman,
Robb Report,
27 Oct. 2025
-
There are no overwater bungalows here, no party yachts crowding the reefs.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The tables were empty and the bar deserted, the only sign of life the clank and swish of dishes being washed in the back, through the swinging double doors.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Also try the herbed cavatelli in lamb ragout − one of my favorite pasta dishes in town − or the duck confit served on a bed of creamy cassoulet beans cooked low and slow in a stock of ham scraps and leeks.—
Keith Pandolfi,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vessels.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vessels. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
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