PELAGIC Synonyms: 18 Similar and Opposite Words

pelagic

adjective

pə-ˈla-jik

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

littoral

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

So began the journey to create a hideaway resort sensitive to the natural environment and a marine reserve with the aim to recover the coral reefs damaged by dynamite fishing.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
However, since it’s naturally found in warm marine waters, people with open wounds can be exposed to Vibrio vulnificus through direct contact with seawater.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 3 June 2026