rods

noun

plural of rod
1
as in canes
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 beams
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 rods Ice hockey and field hockey equipment are on another list, while other athletic equipment appear in another—including golf equipment, ice skates and fishing rods. — Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 This kit makes both jobs simple with tools for cleaning up to 15-foot vents with flexible rods, specialty brushes that fit inside lint traps, and tweezers to reach into all the nooks and crannies. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026 Videos and photos circulating on social media show piles of rocks, chunks of concrete and rusted metal rods after waves removed layers of sand along the shoreline. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026 The airy weave diffuses daylight through the fabric’s natural texture, while the versatile curtain band works with tracks, curtain rods, or hooks for a clean installation. — Nina Derwin, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026 These rods, sandwiched between two layers of elastic fabric, made the vest extremely flexible and fluid-like. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 2026 The scientists combined thousands of hexagonal rods of the rigid plastic together like scales to create a flexible garment. — Charles Q. Choi, Space.com, 12 Aug. 2026 During an autopsy, a pathologist threaded flexible rods through some of the holes in order to track the bullets’ trajectory. — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Aug. 2026 The damper rods are from an Opel Omega, with the springs from Hagon. — New Atlas, 5 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rods
  1. canes
  2. beams
  3. batons
  4. bars
  5. boards
Noun
  • Pruning In winter, when canes are done producing fruit for the season, prune the canes that bore fruit down to the base of the plant so new ones will grow in the spring.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Sales of Cardinal’s consumer healthcare products, such as crutches, canes and its Leader brand of cough drops and other over-the-counter medications, are also reported here.
    — Zev Fima, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of canes
Noun
  • That’s harder than trying to spot a firefly right next to someone flashing their high-beams at you.
    — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The antlers grew off to the sides of the deer’s head instead of going upward, which contributed to the wide inside spread and long beams.
    — Richard P. Smith, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of beams
Noun
  • The young fan confronted the officers, who hit him with batons before detaining him.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The Omaha Police Department said officers will continue to carry tasers, batons, OC spray and firearms.
    — Kathy McCormack, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of batons
Noun
  • The few clubs and bars in Sokoto city are his haunts, and the scene for him is no different from those in the more liberal southern Nigeria.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Food and drink The hotel boasts a whopping 13 restaurants and bars.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of bars
Noun
  • Use hydrogen peroxide to clean counters, remove fabric stains, and sanitize wooden cutting boards.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 29 Aug. 2026
  • While executive boards debate high-level strategy and conference panels discuss theoretical disruptions, the daily tools sit largely underutilized on the ground.
    — Stacy L. Hambleton, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of boards

Browse Nearby Words

rodomontade
rods
rogue
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rods.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rods. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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