Definition of pelagicnext
1
as in marine
of or relating to the sea among pelagic animals the undisputed king is the blue whale, the largest creature currently roaming the face of the earth

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2
as in oceanic
of, relating to, or occurring in the open sea at one time pelagic whaling was the cornerstone of the island's economy

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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 pelagic Mark Fitchett, a pelagic fisheries scientist, said local small-boat fishers hold a range of views on the sharks and their growing depredation. CBS News, 11 Mar. 2026 One third of pelagic sharks and rays are now threatened with extinction. Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026 For the advanced, channels around the islands work like pelagic highways, attracting more than 3,000 different marine species. Terry Ward, AFAR Media, 11 Sep. 2025 Beginners can explore shallow reefs with abundant marine life, while advanced divers can venture to deeper sites with strong currents and the chance to encounter pelagic species. Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for pelagic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pelagic
Adjective
  • Much of Culebra is now protected under the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge, which preserves mangroves, dry forest, and charming coastal habitats used by seabirds and marine life.
    Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Consumers should also pay attention to inactive ingredients, since oils, fragrances and other additives can harm marine life.
    ABC News, ABC News, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In scenes where Yura remembers her childhood and its connection to the beast, the animation takes on a gauzier, more primitive style that matches the film’s more cosmic, oceanic themes.
    Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 1 May 2026
  • Underwater suites with floor-to-ceiling windows peering directly into an aquarium with 65,000 animals furthers the oceanic theme, while a variety of dining and entertainment options ensure more than enough activity on land.
    Asa Canty, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • As deep-sea robotics continues to evolve, such systems are expected to play a larger role not only in archaeology but also in subsea inspection, resource mapping, and environmental monitoring.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 Apr. 2026
  • In the house reef, there’s snorkelling and paddleboarding; guests preferring deep-sea action can request private yacht excursions or big-game fishing sessions.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pelagic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pelagic. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

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