paddle

verb

Definition of paddlenext
1
as in to kayak
to move a boat by means of oars I like to paddle on the river for exercise and relaxation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to lick
to strike repeatedly back in those times it was acceptable for teachers to paddle misbehaving students

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 paddle Eventually, Paolasin's family was able to grab the attention of a kayaker, who paddled over to retrieve her. — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026 She was pictured paddling in a kayak and playing beach volleyball with her fiancé Danny Fujikawa and their daughter Rani. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 27 June 2026 Kayak Through Mangroves and Clear Water The Lower Keys are made for paddling. — Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 20 June 2026 Throughout the afternoon, coaches offered free lessons on the sand to help people who were unfamiliar with paddling out learn what to expect, as well as one-on-one buddies for people in the water. — Gabrielle Gillette, Mercury News, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for paddle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paddle
  1. kayak
  2. lick
  3. row
  4. lash
  5. canoe
  6. whip
  7. oar
  8. hide
Verb
  • Weather permitting, equipment is available so guests can kayak or paddleboard on the lake.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026
  • Ride a bike, stretch in a sculpture garden, and kayak a bayou.
    — Jenny Adams, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2026
Definition of kayak
Verb
  • In the end, none of them were fit to lick the boots of Arnold Schwarzenegger's T-800.
    — Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 3 July 2026
  • But the Carolinas have their own ways of making barbecue finger-licking.
    — Amethyst Ganaway, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026
Definition of lick
Verb
  • The actors learned how to sail and how to row and the boat’s 26-man crew were dressed as extras and incorporated into the movie.
    — Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Pfendler, a Grand Canyon river rafting guide, became the first American woman and fastest person to successfully row solo across the mid-Pacific region, from California to Hawaii.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 July 2026
Definition of row
Verb
  • Ukrainian officials have warned residents to guard against further strikes as Russia lashes out.
    — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 2 July 2026
  • Many on the right lashed out at conservative justices who joined the majority decision.
    — Zac Anderson, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Definition of lash
Verb
  • Mary Swander, a 75-year-old theater director and former state poet laureate, fondly remembers learning to canoe and swim outdoors while growing up near the water.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 June 2026
  • Play golf, kayak or canoe the Sheboygan River, or luxuriate in the spa, which specializes in hydrotherapy.
    — Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
Definition of canoe
Verb
  • Scotland carried the ball for 13 phases to enter Argentina's 22 and Hutchinson whipped an accurate long pass to Tuipulotu on the right wing who scored untouched.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
  • Olise kept his intentions hidden to the last, shaping up to cross the ball to the back post before sharply turning his hips and whipping his pass into the goalscorer’s path, breaking two defensive lines along the way.
    — Thom Harris, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of whip
Verb
  • For centuries, Vikings navigated these waters by sail and oar; today, ferries and charter boats offer comfortable, scenic access to the islands.
    — Caroline Van Hemert, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of oar
Verb
  • For loungability there’s a king bed, a hide-a-bed sofa, a fireplace and theater seats.
    — Kris Millgate, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • When Fluffy failed to come out of hiding after 24 hours, Melissa Kirby and her husband began making and posting missing cat posters around their neighborhood.
    — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
Definition of hide

Browse Nearby Words

paddings
paddle
paddleboat
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Paddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paddle. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on paddle

Nglish: Translation of paddle for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about paddle

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