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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Recent Examples of pelagic
One third of pelagic sharks and rays are now threatened with extinction.
—
Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Shallow slip The researchers found that, in the case of Tōhoku, the normal layer of firm rock that usually sits between the plates actually consisted of a 30-meter-thick layer of pelagic clay, a soft, slippery substance that accumulated there over millions of years as microscopic particles settled.
—New Atlas, 23 Dec. 2025
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
Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Shallow slip The researchers found that, in the case of Tōhoku, the normal layer of firm rock that usually sits between the plates actually consisted of a 30-meter-thick layer of pelagic clay, a soft, slippery substance that accumulated there over millions of years as microscopic particles settled.
—New Atlas, 23 Dec. 2025
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
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This photograph aims to highlight the delicate balance of marine ecosystems, showcasing the beauty of the king penguins in their natural habitat, while also underscoring the importance of preserving these unique underwater forests.—
PhotoVogue,
Vogue,
22 Apr. 2026
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The California marine heat wave is already having an impact on the Pacific Ocean’s food web.—
Andrew Freedman,
CNN Money,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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That appears to be behaving a bit like an oceanic hot spot, leaving a trail of massive eruptions across the Snake River Plain that terminates at the immense calderas beneath present-day Yellowstone.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
10 Apr. 2026
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After watching the catch of the day come in, head to the neighboring Umi no Ichi food and shopping hall to grab a bowl of sea-to-table kaisendon—slices of sashimi, jewel-like roe, and other oceanic delights, served atop a bed of rice.—
Zoe Baillargeon,
Travel + Leisure,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Motives are like deep-sea fish — even our own.—
Sara Wheeler,
Big Think,
17 Apr. 2026
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The trial took place at a depth of 11,483 feet (3,500 meters) during a deep-sea science expedition involving the Chinese research ship named Haiyang Dizhi 2, according to the South China Morning Post.—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pelagic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pelagic. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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