Synonyms for

Boats

Verb / bəʊts / Another word for boats — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A boat is a vehicle used for traveling on water. It can be a small or large vessel that is propelled by oars, sails, or an engine.

Synonyms & similar words

gravyholder boat gravyboat sauceboat ship vessel craft canoe kayak raft yacht dinghy ferry barge cruiser sailboat motorboat catamaran outrigger pontoon skiff speedboat steamboat tugboat

Synonyms by register

Formal

vessels craft watercraft

Informal

ships yachts dinghies barges

Literary

barques galleons frigates

Antonyms

land vehicles cars trains bicycles trucks airplanes

Common collocations

  • small boats
  • fishing boats
  • life boats
  • row boats
  • sail boats
  • speed boats
  • motor boats
  • boats for sale

Word family

noun boat
verb boat
adjective boaty

Usage note

While 'boat' can refer to any watercraft, it often implies a smaller vessel than a 'ship'. The verb 'to boat' means to travel by boat or to put something into a boat.

Example sentences

  1. My family went on a boat ride.
  2. The fisherman caught a large fish from his boat.
  3. We rented a boat and explored the river.
  4. The boat was so big it had a swimming pool on board.
  5. The captain steered the boat through the stormy seas.

Quotes

  • The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails. - William Arthur Ward
  • A river is more than an amenity, it is a treasure. - Oliver Wendell Holmes
  • The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever. - Jacques Yves Cousteau

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