benthic

adjective

Definition of benthicnext
as in pelagic

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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 benthic Since nurse sharks are a benthic species, their position in the water column may partially shield them from urban light, although not entirely. — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 11 Mar. 2026 According to the study authors, these changes can be tied to stagnation and decline in the ocean’s biodiversity, particularly among benthic animals, or animals associated with the bottom of the sea, such as corals, crustaceans, and brachiopods. — Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 24 June 2025 Depositing the fleet of six benthic landers into the gulf has been an expensive and thorny process. — Robin Catalano, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 June 2024 Many benthic animals overcome these limitations using legged locomotion and have different hydrodynamic profiles dictated by different body morphologies. — IEEE Spectrum, 15 Nov. 2019 See All Example Sentences for benthic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for benthic
  1. pelagic
  2. marine
  3. deep-sea
  4. deepwater
  5. oceanographic
Adjective
  • His winning series was captured in the waters of Anilao, Philippines, where pelagic and larval marine life migrate from the depths each night to feed under the cover of darkness.
    — Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Researchers also encountered glass squid and spotted a pelagic octopus feeding on a bright red jellyfish.
    — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026
Definition of pelagic
Adjective
  • The goal of the expedition is to raise money and awareness for his nonprofit, which is dedicated to Arctic climate research, marine science and exploration.
    — Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 26 July 2026
  • For Brabus, the agreement marks a significant expansion of its marine portfolio.
    — Rachel Ingram, Robb Report, 26 July 2026
Definition of marine
Adjective
  • The paper eliminates a popular theory as to why insects can’t live in oceans—namely that their respiratory systems would implode under deep-sea pressure.
    — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 23 July 2026
  • Scientists have found an active coral community that may belong to a deep-sea coral reef system presumed to be dead decades ago, according to new research.
    — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 23 July 2026
Definition of deep-sea
Adjective
  • Morocco has been building a $1 billion deepwater port in the territory’s city of Dakhla, which featured in the video Trump shared Sunday.
    — Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • Marine welders handle massive, oddly shaped, and heavy components such as deepwater jacket strengthening rings and module nodes.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 15 June 2026
Definition of deepwater
Adjective
  • These would include geophysical surveys, biological sampling and oceanographic measurements.
    — Dánica Coto, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026
  • The ship will also carry a 40-meter coring system for extracting deep-sea sediment samples, advanced oceanographic instrumentation, and fiber-rope lifting systems capable of operating across virtually the entire water column—from surface to seafloor.
    — Dea Jusufi, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
Definition of oceanographic

Browse Nearby Words

bent
benthic
bent (on or upon)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Benthic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/benthic. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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