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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
-
Sharks play an essential role in balancing ocean ecosystems; their presence signals a healthy marine environment.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
-
The small fish, also known as remoras, are known for attaching themselves to larger marine animals — including whales and sharks — for protection, free transportation and food.—
Desiree Anello,
PEOPLE,
12 May 2026
Adjective
-
Because the mineral contains titanium and potassium, and those elements are associated with the rocks in Earth’s crust, the researchers think kopylovite is produced when sediments sink into the mantle in subduction zones atop slabs of oceanic crust.—
James Dinneen,
Scientific American,
14 May 2026
-
Scientists don’t know too much about the cumulative effects of a prolonged warm oceanic heat wave.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
Still, proponents argue deep-sea mining may be less damaging than land mining, which contributes to massive habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, and toxic contamination of water sources.—
Jake Angelo,
Fortune,
15 May 2026
-
Although no deep-sea mining is yet underway in these areas, at least two of the vents that the snails live on have been considered for possible operations, according to the IUCN.—
Adam Kovac,
Scientific American,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pelagic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pelagic. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
