Otary is a word typically used to refer to a seal, specifically one belonging to the eared seal family. However, there are several other synonyms that can also be used to refer to this mammal. These include the words pinniped, sea dog, and mermaid. Pinniped is a term used to describe any animal with fins, including seals, sea lions, and walruses. Sea dog is a colloquial term for a seal, often used in nautical settings. Mermaid, while not technically a synonym, is a term used in folklore and literature to describe a half-human, half-fish creature that bears a resemblance to a seal.