“swim”

To swim or float in water, especially with deliberate motion.

“The children natated lazily across the warm lagoon as the sun dipped below the horizon.”

Best for: Formal or scientific writing; useful when you want a clinical or elevated tone.

To thrust oneself into water with force and momentum.

“She plunged into the river before dawn, gasping at the cold rush against her skin.”

Best for: Works well in action scenes or dramatic prose; implies sudden, bold entry into water.

To move through water by cutting or parting it with the body.

“He cleaved through the dark channel with long, powerful strokes, barely making a sound.”

Best for: Literary fiction and poetry; evokes precision and strength rather than leisure.

To move through water with deliberate, effortful steps, often partially submerged.

“She waded out until the current swirled around her waist and tugged at her skirt.”

Best for: Best for shallow or turbulent water; suggests resistance and physical effort.

To propel oneself through water with a sinuous, sculling motion of the limbs.

“He sculled silently beneath the pier, watching the shadows shift above him.”

Best for: Archaic and rare; suited to historical fiction or highly stylized literary passages.

To carve a path through water as if plowing a furrow, used poetically of a swimmer's motion.

“She furrowed the glassy surface of the lake, leaving twin ripples spreading behind her.”

Best for: Metaphorical and poetic; best reserved for literary or descriptive passages where the image matters.