1
as in ships
a large craft for travel by water
a new ocean liner that claims to be the largest commercial vessel afloat
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2
as in boats
a small buoyant structure for travel on water
any vessel that is buoyant and steerable can be entered in the annual race down the river
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3
4
as in containers
something into which a liquid or smaller objects can be put for storage or transportation
any watertight vessel can be used for mixing the paints
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of vessels
The program includes live bands and DJs on select sailings and routes, with performances typically held on larger vessels where space allows for small stage setups.
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Loureen Ayyoub, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026
While there are probably Russian submarines — as there are across the Arctic region — there are no surface vessels, Mortensgaard said.
—Emma Burrows, Fortune, 10 Jan. 2026
The company is also expanding its small-ship expedition offerings through National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions with new and upgraded vessels in the Galápagos, Alaska, Antarctica, Iceland, and the Amazon.
—Josh Roberts, USA Today, 10 Jan. 2026
In 1785, two American merchant vessels – the Maria of Boston and the Dauphin of Philadelphia – were captured by Algerian cruisers.
—Maurizio Valsania, The Conversation, 9 Jan. 2026
But new rules approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission require boaters to slow their vessels to 5 to 9 mph.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
As more ocean carriers appear to show an openness to returning to the Red Sea on a limited basis, Maersk reportedly scrapped a long-time fee last month for one of its container vessels that transited the Suez Canal.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 8 Jan. 2026
The 2025 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), billed as the world’s largest in-water boat show, is a quintessentially American show, with more than 1,300 vessels across seven locations.
—Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2025
Industry acceptance of aluminum hulls and lightweight composite structures has helped too, reducing energy demand and making electrification feasible for larger vessels.
—IEEE Spectrum, 6 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vessels
Noun
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Some cruise lines also restrict certain areas of their ships to adults.—
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The company is also debuting A&K × Crystal Cultural Voyages, integrating Abercrombie & Kent tours with Crystal Cruises’ luxury ships, beginning with a Mediterranean sailing in August 2026.—
Noun
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The waterfront views steal the show, especially as boats drift by and the light starts to change.—
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The architects William Treanor and Maurice Fatio even treated the East River as the Grand Canal, adding a private dock for residents to moor their boats.—
Noun
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Your purchase includes dinner plates, salad plates, pasta bowls, cereal bowls, and mugs — enough for six people.—
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The whole process can take up to 40 minutes, by which point there are enough noodles to fill four bowls of soup, Zhang said.—
Noun
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In other words, containers won’t magically instill good folding habits.—
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Store water, food, and pet food in airtight containers, remove crumbs from counters, tables, and floors, and keep trash can lids secure.—
Noun
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The resort also has its own 60-slip marina for yachts, fishing charters, and boat rentals, where many visitors dock while enjoying dinner at the beloved La Balandra Restaurant & Bar.—
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Both all‑suite yachts introduce a sleeker, more contemporary edge, with nearly every cabin offering a private veranda or floor‑to‑ceiling infinity window.—
Noun
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Cover greasy dishes with aluminum foil.—
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Beyond dim sum, the menu also features lobster, hot pot, and Vietnamese dishes.—
Cite this Entry
“Vessels.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vessels. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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