Synonyms for

Sailor

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

Definition

a person who works on a ship or boat, especially one who is not an officer

Synonyms & similar words

panama panamahat boater bluejacket sailorboy skimmer crewman navyman strawhat leghorn seaman mariner navigator deckhand crewman boatman seafarer shipmate salt bluejacket mate oarsman pilot yachtsman swab hand boatwoman helmsman coxswain

Synonyms by register

Formal

mariner seafarer nautical professional

Informal

salt tar deckhand

Literary

sea dog buccaneer old salt

Antonyms

landlubber pedestrian non-sailor groundling civilian

Common collocations

  • experienced sailor
  • sailor's life
  • sailor on board
  • sailor's uniform
  • sailor's knot
  • sailor's rest
  • sailor's spirit

Word family

noun sailor
verb sail
adjective sailing

Usage note

While 'sailor' is a general term, 'mariner' and 'seafarer' are more formal. 'Salt' or 'tar' are informal terms often used for experienced sailors.

Example sentences

  1. The sailor climbed the mast to tie the ropes.
  2. The sailor was away from his family for months at a time.
  3. The sailor's job was to steer the ship.
  4. The sailor wore a life jacket in case he fell overboard.
  5. The sailor sang sea shanties while he worked.

Quotes

  • I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination. - Jimmy Dean
  • Life's roughest storms prove the strength of our anchors. - Unknown
  • The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails. - William Arthur Ward

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