as in dinosaurs
something that is unusually large and powerful
a whale of a pickup truck
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in hits
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 hides
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 pounds
to strike repeatedly
mercilessly whaled the pickpocket for stealing from her purse
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of whales
ABC News, 3 June 2026
While much research on animal communication focuses on large mammals thought to have relatively rich communication systems, such as primates and cetaceans (whales and dolphins), Birch said the judges try to cast a wide zoological net.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
For a truly memorable experience, the travel pro recommends chartering a yacht through the Inside Passage, a scenic coastal route known for glacier views and frequent wildlife sightings, including bears and whales.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2026
Curious cockatoos often come to breakfast, turtles swim by the private beach, and whales make their winter migration through the Dent Passage, directly in front of Long Pavilion.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
When the community of whales and dolphins changed, so too did the sharks that fed on them.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Taylor’s short time with the whales in their annual migration inspired her to write a short story.
—Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 1 June 2026
Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network is a nonprofit focused on protecting marine mammals, including dolphins, whales and seals in South Carolina waters.
—Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2026
Beautiful beaches, breaching whales and blazing volcanoes aside, the melting pot of cultures amid your enchanting islands has certainly created the most delicious one.
—Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2026
Neal Riley, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
Twenty whales — 19 belugas and one killer whale — have died at Marineland since 2019, according to provincial government data obtained through freedom-of-information laws and official statements.
—ABC News, 3 June 2026
While much research on animal communication focuses on large mammals thought to have relatively rich communication systems, such as primates and cetaceans (whales and dolphins), Birch said the judges try to cast a wide zoological net.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
For a truly memorable experience, the travel pro recommends chartering a yacht through the Inside Passage, a scenic coastal route known for glacier views and frequent wildlife sightings, including bears and whales.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2026
Curious cockatoos often come to breakfast, turtles swim by the private beach, and whales make their winter migration through the Dent Passage, directly in front of Long Pavilion.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
When the community of whales and dolphins changed, so too did the sharks that fed on them.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Taylor’s short time with the whales in their annual migration inspired her to write a short story.
—Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 1 June 2026
Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network is a nonprofit focused on protecting marine mammals, including dolphins, whales and seals in South Carolina waters.
—Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2026
Beautiful beaches, breaching whales and blazing volcanoes aside, the melting pot of cultures amid your enchanting islands has certainly created the most delicious one.
—Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2026
Verb
Killer whales off New England The aquarium says killer whale sightings are uncommon in New England waters.
—Neal Riley, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whales
Noun
-
Being in Steven Spielberg's sci-fi actioner was a career high for everyone involved, but some cast members have soared even higher since walking with dinosaurs.—
Huntley Woods,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 June 2026
-
The asteroid impact that doomed the dinosaurs may also have built one of Earth's longest-lasting underground ecosystems.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
Quick hits Cornerback Chau Smith-Wade, who is seeing time at safety, blitzed Pickett for a would-be sack during 11-on-11 work.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
11 June 2026
-
He's recorded 135 total tackles, 24 sacks, and 53 quarterback hits.—
Tom Ignudo,
CBS News,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
Namely, the Bavarian flag hides a red Nazi flag, and someone also covered up soldiers, Nazi salutes by passersby, and wreaths on the Mahnmal der Bewegung monument.—
Margherita Bassi,
Popular Science,
11 June 2026
-
This state-level scorecard hides a troublesome trend in early 2026.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
7 June 2026
Verb
-
Teams go bonkers when the player pounds their school name on the bracket.—
John Maffei,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 June 2026
-
Rain pounds down in a stinging curtain.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
22 May 2026
Noun
-
The deal also comes at a time of biotech dealmaking frenzy, driven by looming patent cliffs, newly buoyant public markets and pharma giants’ race to bolster their pipelines.—
Anniek Bao,Elsa Ohlen,
CNBC,
9 June 2026
-
Analysts have said Microsoft’s Xbox consoles and Game Pass subscription service have underperformed, caught between traditional gaming giants and cheaper, casual rivals like the Nex Playground active game system.—
Sebastian Herrera,
Fortune,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
During an intense scene, Simon punches a hole through a fellow actor’s face.—
Mike Ryan,
IndieWire,
3 June 2026
-
Food and drink Cosmo still punches above its weight on dining.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
The vessel bends, blocks, and whips the wind into complex micro-currents before the air ever hits the sails.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
2 June 2026
-
In the fourth minute, Meschack Elia whips a ball across the box to Bakambu, eight yards from goal.—
Franklin Leonard,
Vanity Fair,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
A lot of freedom going on between the guitars, a lotta little licks intermingle with the big guitar licks that the song is all about.—
Liza Lentini,
SPIN,
22 May 2026
-
At one point A’zion licks the digitally de-aged Mick Jagger’s face.—
Ethan Millman,
HollywoodReporter,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Whales.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whales. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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