Synonyms for

Sail

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

Definition

to travel on water using a boat or ship, or to control the movement of a boat or ship as it travels through water

Synonyms & similar words

sheet canvas canvass cruise sweep navigate voyage cruise navigate voyage float drift travel journey ride run pilot skipper captain steer course direct guide maneuver operate control handle

Synonyms by register

Formal

navigate traverse journey voyage

Informal

cruise chug scoot

Literary

drift glide waft

Antonyms

anchor dock moor ground land stop halt

Common collocations

  • set sail
  • catch a sail
  • hoist the sail
  • trim the sail
  • sail away
  • sail through
  • sail on

Word family

noun sail
verb sail
adjective sailing

Usage note

As a verb, 'sail' often implies movement propelled by wind. It can also be used metaphorically to mean to move smoothly or easily through something.

Example sentences

  1. I want to learn how to sail a boat.
  2. They sailed across the ocean.
  3. We saw a sailboat on the lake.
  4. The ship is ready to set sail.
  5. He sailed around the world.

Quotes

  • I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination. - Jimmy Dean
  • A ship in port is safe, but that's not what ships are built for. - Grace Hopper
  • A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor. - Franklin D. Roosevelt

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words