swam

[swam] / swæm /

VERB

make way through water using arms, legs

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bathe crawl dive float glide paddle submerge wade

STRONG

freestyle move practice race skinny-dip slip stroke

WEAK

breast-stroke dog-paddle go for a swim go swimming go wading high-dive take a dip

Antonyms

STRONG

stop

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For the first time in more than 80 years, the fish swam in their ancestral river, where they had once been abundant.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

Jackson swam in it, but was inspired by it.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

Both species swam through open water in the same environment, yet they likely targeted different prey.

From Science Daily • Feb. 25, 2026

A 13-year-old boy recounts how he swam for hours through choppy waters off western Australia to get help for his family.

From Barron's • Feb. 3, 2026

Selkie swam around to Sea Lion Point and sat and barked for Nim to hurry up.

From "Nim’s Island" by Wendy Orr