Synonyms for

Sailors

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

Definition

Sailors are people who work on a ship and help to sail it.

Synonyms & similar words

panama panamahat sailor boater bluejacket sailorboy skimmer crewman navyman strawhat leghorn seamen mariners deckhands boatmen seafarers yachtsmen oarsmen rowers watermen fishermen pilots helmsmen captains skippers commanders admirals officers

Synonyms by register

Formal

mariners seafarers navigators

Informal

sailors sea dogs salties

Literary

salt-tars buccaneers mariners

Antonyms

landlubbers pedestrians groundlings non-mariners terrestrials

Common collocations

  • experienced sailors
  • young sailors
  • sailors aboard
  • sailors on deck
  • sailors and fishermen
  • sailors in the navy
  • sailors of the fleet
  • sailors' rights

Word family

noun sailor
verb sail
adjective sailing

Usage note

While 'sailor' is the most common term, 'mariner' and 'seafarer' are more formal. 'Saltie' is a dated, informal term.

Example sentences

  1. The sailors raised the anchor and set sail.
  2. The sailors navigated through the stormy sea.
  3. The sailors caught fish for dinner.
  4. The sailors were exhausted after a long day of work.
  5. The sailors sang sea shanties to pass the time.

Quotes

  • A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor. - Franklin D. Roosevelt
  • A good sailor weathers the storms they cannot avoid, and avoids the storms they cannot weather. - Anonymous
  • A ship in port is safe, but that's not what ships are built for. - Grace Hopper

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