Synonyms for

Ships

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

Definition

Ships are large boats that are used for traveling long distances across the ocean or carrying cargo.

Synonyms & similar words

embark send ship transport disembark vessels boats crafts cruisers liners steamers yachts barges canoes catamarans dinghies ferries gondolas kayaks rafts schooners submarines tankers tugboats warships

Synonyms by register

Formal

vessels craft watercraft

Informal

boats barges

Literary

argosies galleons

Antonyms

ground vehicles trains cars trucks airplanes helicopters

Common collocations

  • cargo ships
  • passenger ships
  • war ships
  • merchant ships
  • cruise ships
  • oil ships
  • ships passing in the night

Word family

noun ship
verb ship
adjective shipborne

Usage note

The word 'ships' is the plural of 'ship'. It can also be used as a verb meaning to transport goods.

Example sentences

  1. The ships sailed across the ocean.
  2. The cargo ships were loaded with containers.
  3. The navy ships were docked at the harbor.
  4. The pirate ships attacked the merchant vessels.
  5. The cruise ship had a swimming pool on the deck.

Quotes

  • A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor. - Franklin D. Roosevelt
  • We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch - we are going back from whence we came. - John F. Kennedy
  • To reach a port we must sail, sometimes with the wind, and sometimes against it. But we must not drift or lie at anchor. - Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

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