as in rower
a person who drives a boat forward by means of oars
"All oars ho!" the boatswain ordered
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of oar
Quincy Bulin, Parents, 22 Nov. 2024
Every Wayfinder comes with an oar, and Moana’s little sister Simea is accompanied by Pua the pig.
—Quincy Bulin, Parents, 22 Nov. 2024
Caroline Van Hemert, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
Mute swans do put on bursts of speed by oaring with their huge webbed feet.
—National Geographic, 19 Oct. 2016
See All Example Sentences for oar
Noun
Moana comes with a flower crown, an oar, a conch shell, and her signature necklace.
—Quincy Bulin, Parents, 22 Nov. 2024
Every Wayfinder comes with an oar, and Moana’s little sister Simea is accompanied by Pua the pig.
—Quincy Bulin, Parents, 22 Nov. 2024
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
Mute swans do put on bursts of speed by oaring with their huge webbed feet.
—National Geographic, 19 Oct. 2016
See All Example Sentences for oar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oar
Verb
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Today, over a third of the states allow teachers to paddle or spank students.—
Christina Erickson,
The Conversation,
18 Apr. 2025
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Image Image As an ambitious Black actress in the ’70s, Rashad paddled along the coast of stardom, never quite hitting the shore.—
Reggie Ugwu,
New York Times,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
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After two friends rowed him across the Charles River, Revere confirmed that his fellow patriots in Charlestown had seen the lantern signals and dispatched messengers.—
Ellen Wexler,
Smithsonian Magazine,
18 Apr. 2025
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Other services will at times allow biking or rowing as a cardio substitute for the run; planks are now more widely used than sit-ups.—
Lolita C. Baldor,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Mar. 2025
Verb
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But canoeing over open water, defenseless in an aluminum craft that couldn’t stop a bullet any better than a sheet of paper, Ethan’s fear gets white hot.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
6 Apr. 2025
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Amenities skew low-key, including a noteworthy free breakfast, afternoon coffee and tea, and canoeing on Moraine Lake.—
Laura Studarus,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Oct. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Oar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oar. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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