as in dinosaur
something that is unusually large and powerful
a whale of a pickup truck
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Sam Zeveloff, STAT, 9 May 2026
So did the barstools, with their whale-tooth footrests and their original whale-skin upholstery.
—Michael Ballaban, CNN Money, 9 May 2026
But Attenborough has had to accept the accolades this week as scientists, politicians and conservationists celebrated the man who has brought frolicking gorillas, breaching whales and tiny poisonous frogs into living rooms around the world for more than 70 years.
—ABC News, 8 May 2026
Conservation advocates note the whale population dropped by roughly 25% between 2010 and 2020, and recovery efforts have been slow.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for whale
Noun
Thus, removing and transporting a whale’s head without a permit could fall under prohibitions on unauthorized possession and transport.
—Sam Zeveloff, STAT, 9 May 2026
So did the barstools, with their whale-tooth footrests and their original whale-skin upholstery.
—Michael Ballaban, CNN Money, 9 May 2026
But Attenborough has had to accept the accolades this week as scientists, politicians and conservationists celebrated the man who has brought frolicking gorillas, breaching whales and tiny poisonous frogs into living rooms around the world for more than 70 years.
—ABC News, 8 May 2026
Conservation advocates note the whale population dropped by roughly 25% between 2010 and 2020, and recovery efforts have been slow.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for whale
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whale
Noun
-
Oversized animals, including dinosaurs, bulls, roosters, hens and seals, also multiplied.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
-
As a species, the Maiasaura continued to stand out as exceptional among dinosaurs.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
Sloane, who has increased his fastball velocity by over 10 mph since last spring and now reaches 90, hit the gym hard.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
-
During their semifinal win over Wisconsin, the Bruins hit four home runs and pushed their NCAA record single-season team home run total to 181.—
Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
Without sofas, curtains, or rugs to soften things, your color palette has nowhere to hide.—
Natasha Bazika,
Martha Stewart,
9 May 2026
-
Many fish live, hide and eat the small shrimp and crabs that are within the seaweed, which made her snorkeling adventure more exciting.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
The parallels between Ines’ dilemma and that of a nation being asked to lick its wounds in silence — in the name of moving on from past miseries — are present but elusive.—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
14 May 2026
-
At one point A’zion licks the digitally de-aged Mick Jagger’s face.—
Ethan Millman,
HollywoodReporter,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
China’s robotics giant Unitree has unveiled the GD01, a mecha-style machine that can switch between two-legged and four-legged configurations.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
12 May 2026
-
The Hispanic media giant revealed the news Tuesday during its upfront presentation to advertisers in New York.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
Wharton’s ability to punch the ball into attacking areas from deep is the skill that sets him apart.—
Gregg Evans,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
-
In late February, animal rights activists flew a drone over a calf ranch in the Central Valley and watched as workers kicked and punched the animals.—
Susanne Rust
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
The ride travels on an elliptical track and whips riders around bends.—
Finch Walker,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
-
Real estate agents whipped out their phones to put a hard sell on anything east of I-95.—
Pat Beall,
Sun Sentinel,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
The Charlotte area received 2 to 2 1/2 inches of sometimes pounding rain this week, according to the National Weather Service.—
Joe Marusak,
Charlotte Observer,
8 May 2026
-
Larnach’s two-run double in the fourth inning on Tuesdsay split the gap and broke the game open as the Twins pounded the Washington Nationals 11-3 at Nationals Park.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Whale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whale. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
