Synonyms for

Turtles

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

Definition

Turtles are slow-moving reptiles with a protective shell on their back.

Synonyms & similar words

turnturtle turtle capsize poloneck turtleneck tortoise terrapin chelonian

Synonyms by register

Formal

chelonian reptile

Informal

tortoise

Literary

ancient mariner slowpoke

Antonyms

fast quick swift speedy rapid hasty

Common collocations

  • sea turtle
  • freshwater turtle
  • turtle shell
  • turtle soup
  • baby turtle
  • leatherback turtle
  • green turtle

Word family

noun turtle
verb turtling

Usage note

While 'tortoise' is often used interchangeably in informal contexts, it specifically refers to land-dwelling chelonians, whereas 'turtle' is a broader term that includes aquatic and semi-aquatic species.

Example sentences

  1. The turtle was sunning itself on the rock.
  2. The turtle swam slowly in the pond.
  3. My pet turtle likes to eat lettuce.
  4. The sea turtle hatched out of its egg and crawled to the ocean.
  5. The turtle's shell protects it from predators.

Quotes

  • Slow and steady wins the race. - Aesop
  • I never met a turtle I didn't like. - Roger Tory Peterson
  • The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

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