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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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
  • Organized tours in Samaná Bay allow tourists to come into direct contact with marine life, making this activity a must-do in the region.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026
  • Bain said following Thursday’s heat, an offshore jetstream flow that has compressed the marine layer and the Bay Area’s natural coolness will give way to the usual onshore flow.
    Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • Some, like Li, say it’s caused by atmospheric forces, while others have identified oceanic conditions as the culprit.
    Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 10 June 2026
  • The data has long been used to understand oceanic and climate trends like how the ocean is absorbing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere or the impact of marine heat waves.
    Simmone Shah, Time, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • Researchers explored the remains during multiple deep-sea submersible trips in 2023, collecting samples and mapping the extent of the necropolis.
    Adithi Ramakrishnan, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 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

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Cite this Entry

“Pelagic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pelagic. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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