rod

noun

ˈräd How to pronounce rod (audio)
Definition of rodnext
1
as in cane
a heavy rigid stick used as a weapon or for punishment arrested for using a rod on his dogs in violation of the state's animal cruelty laws

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in beam
a straight piece (as of wood or metal) that is longer than it is wide a curtain rod

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of rod While Mazzullo did the voice, Perego controlled Topo Gigio’s legs with her fingers on one hand and opened and closed his mouth using rods with the other. — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026 All those features make the smart rod a worthy addition to any automated home. — New Atlas, 28 Sep. 2026 The resulting anomaly indicated a center that closely matched the rod’s actual location. — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026 Curtain rods, TVs, and artwork should be placed thoughtfully to enhance proportion and flow. — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rod
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rod
  1. cane
  2. beam
  3. baton
  4. bar
  5. board
Noun
  • There were taro patches and gardens planted with banana, sweet potato, sugar cane, noni, and more.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • This integrated plant uses BDO (butanediol), an important ingredient made from sugar cane, to provide raw materials for textiles, footwear, packaging and automotive industries.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of cane
Noun
  • One use involves directing a beam of protons or other heavier particles into the patient, targeting unwanted cancerous cells (proton/heavy ion therapy).
    — Andrea Richard, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Researchers at Romania’s Horia Hulubei National Institute have now solved this speed challenge by producing images with an artificial muon beam for the first time.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of beam
Noun
  • In the deciding Game 4, Vesia took the baton from Glasnow with two outs and two runners on in the fifth, got the inning’s final out on one pitch and came back out in the sixth.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
  • In Paris, tear gas filled the air, and trash cans, school desks and chairs were set alight as riot police with shields and batons clashed with some demonstrators.
    — Melissa Bell, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of baton
Noun
  • Within a tight radius there’s an ever-increasing collection of boutiques, full-service spas and wellness facilities, Pilates studios, cafes, bars and restaurants featuring fare from around the globe.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The Sox’s pitching plans are a daily mystery, and worries over Grant Taylor’s right arm falling off have become nightly debates in South Side bars.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of bar
Noun
  • There’s a strong focus on experiential adventure and underwater exploration, with complimentary resort bikes, private boat excursions, kayaks, SUP boards, and an array of island tours.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Beyond the theatrical and streaming markets, the merger brings CBS News and CNN under the direction of a board that will ensure the editorial independence of each news outlet.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of board

Browse Nearby Words

rococo
rod
rode
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Cite this Entry

“Rod.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rod. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on rod

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rod

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