whale 1 of 2

noun

ˈ(h)wāl How to pronounce whale (audio)
Definition of whalenext
as in dinosaur
something that is unusually large and powerful a whale of a pickup truck

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

whale

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to hit
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner whaled the ball so hard that it sailed over the fence and into the neighbor's yard

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to hide
to strike repeatedly with something long and thin or flexible whaled the rug with a broom to knock the dirt out of it

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to lick
to strike repeatedly mercilessly whaled the pickpocket for stealing from her purse

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 whale
Noun
Louise Raulais, who runs the Rio Ocean Club with her partner Theo Andrade, is among those who see the tourism opportunities in the whales' resurgence. — ABC News, 1 July 2026 Best pool brushes The wall whale classic is a strong pool brush perfect for getting rid of dirt and debris. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026 After taking a lot of heat (lower case) over the years for failed attempts on big signings, Pat Riley finally landed another whale in Giannis. — Greg Cote june 28, Miami Herald, 28 June 2026 Options for activities include paddleboarding and chasing Arctic swells in the fjords, sailing through sea cliffs and the uninhabited Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, and spotting whales, seals, Arctic foxes, and more wildlife. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for whale
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whale
  1. dinosaur
  2. hit
  3. hide
  4. lick
  5. giant
  6. punch
  7. whip
  8. pound
Noun
  • The dinosaur blockbuster earned close to $1 billion at the box office and spawned a franchise.
    — Joyce Eng, Entertainment Weekly, 13 July 2026
  • Gus also reportedly shows bite marks and evidence of fractures that the dinosaur survived, which Sotheby’s said may add to its scientific significance.
    — Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 13 July 2026
Definition of dinosaur
Verb
  • However, without strong spending activity at home, a heavy reliance on exports makes China particularly vulnerable to a reversal in AI sentiment, which would hit sales of high-tech products.
    — Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • Lanageliers started the game at catcher and hit third in the lineup while the American League won a largely uneventful affair, 4-0, at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Phillies.
    — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
Definition of hit
Verb
  • What was the thinking behind hiding this information up until the finale?
    — Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 15 July 2026
  • For most of the past century, mathematicians have been exploring the limits of Ramsey theory, the study of order hiding inside chaos—or, more accurately, how much disorder can be packed into a system before order must inevitably emerge.
    — Sam Macdonald, Scientific American, 15 July 2026
Definition of hide
Verb
  • As flames licked at the fabric and smoke curled toward the ceiling, an overcapacity crowd of more than 1,800 panicked, rushing for the exits and jamming against doors that opened inward.
    — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2026
  • Signs paws have already been burned include limping, refusing to walk, licking or chewing feet, darker or damaged pads and visible blisters or redness.
    — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026
Definition of lick
Noun
  • In 2024 the Japanese giant completed its acquisition of 7-Eleven Australia to expand its presence in the country, taking full ownership of the business.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 17 July 2026
  • As investors fret that Netflix‘s viewer-engagement metrics are flagging, the streaming giant reported earnings for the second quarter of 2026 that were in line with Wall Street forecasts.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 16 July 2026
Definition of giant
Verb
  • The Hawks had the chance to punch their way to a spot in the Summer League playoffs with a win.
    — Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 17 July 2026
  • Video shows part of arrest in Meridian Ten seconds into the initial video, the officer sitting on the man punched him, according to the footage.
    — Alex Brizee July 17, Idaho Statesman, 17 July 2026
Definition of punch
Verb
  • Vanilla ice cream was layered with strawberry sauce, pound cake pieces, strawberry crunch, whipped topping and fresh strawberries, then served with cinnamon-sugar chips fried in-house.
    — Tristan Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2026
  • The next morning, the wind whipped the lake to a froth, making the crossing to the river’s outlet impossible.
    — John Todd, Outdoor Life, 9 July 2026
Definition of whip
Verb
  • In IconArrows pointing outwards RANDOM, BUT INTERESTING Russia’s energy infrastructure continues to get pounded by Ukrainian drones.
    — Brian Sullivan, CNBC, 16 July 2026
  • Vargas pounded a monster second-deck home run in the eighth inning that turned into this game’s only extra-base hit — by either team.
    — Jayson Stark, New York Times, 15 July 2026
Definition of pound

Browse Nearby Words

whacks
whale
whaleboat
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Cite this Entry

“Whale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whale. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on whale

Nglish: Translation of whale for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about whale

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