as in dinosaurs
something that is unusually large and powerful
a whale of a pickup truck
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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 whales
Justin Worland, Time, 5 Nov. 2025
At times, the whales even broke through the surface, poking their fins just above water.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025
Scientists have recorded the whales inducing what’s known as a state of tonic immobility, essentially paralyzing the shark.
—Outside, 3 Nov. 2025
The whales live in the North Atlantic Ocean, as well as two locations in the Southern Hemisphere, NOAA reports online.
—Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025
The species feeds by relying on symbiotic bacteria to break down fats inside the bones of large vertebrates, like whales.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
And the global population of whales declined precipitously to the point of near extinction.
—Justin Worland, Time, 5 Nov. 2025
At times, the whales even broke through the surface, poking their fins just above water.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025
Scientists have recorded the whales inducing what’s known as a state of tonic immobility, essentially paralyzing the shark.
—Outside, 3 Nov. 2025
The whales live in the North Atlantic Ocean, as well as two locations in the Southern Hemisphere, NOAA reports online.
—Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025
The species feeds by relying on symbiotic bacteria to break down fats inside the bones of large vertebrates, like whales.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 30 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whales
Noun
-
It has recently been determined that this family of dinosaurs was heavily feathered—a rare marking on Spike’s wrist might be further evidence of this, Christie’s says.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
7 Nov. 2025
-
In the series, audiences will learn more about the animals that lived in the Pleistocene era, millions of years after the extinction of the dinosaurs, including the Megalonyx jeffersonii (also known as the snow sloth).—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
So many conversations about so many things and for some reason that’s what hits home.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
-
When a record-breaking sale of a new penthouse hits her desk, Diane’s questions about the buyer’s identity lead to what could be the story of a lifetime.—
Erik Pedersen,
Deadline,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Oscar’s grouchy shell hides a strangely tender soul, which is classic Scorpio.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
10 Nov. 2025
-
As a whole, Kennedy’s doc, which is seeking distribution, is a raw behind-the-scenes look at a polarizing public figure who often hides behind wrath or self-deprecation.—
Addie Morfoot,
Variety,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
But investors worried broadly about the huge valuations of tech giants that have been leading the market to new heights.—
Julie Coleman,
CNBC,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Tech giants and nation-states are investing heavily in neuromorphic chips.—
Srishti Gupta,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Vote of confidence Heweliusz represents a huge vote of confidence from Netflix in CEE as the streamer celebrates its decade in a region that punches above its weight and has a bustling local entertainment sector.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Founded in 1777, Lexington is home to both Washington & Lee University and Virginia Military Institute (VMI), and the presence of the universities no doubt plays a part in a cultural richness that punches above its weight class for a tiny town of just 7,000 people.—
Heather Bien,
Southern Living,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The wind whips across the peak, marked as per usual around here with a pile of stones and colorful prayer flags tied to the top like sails on the mast of a ship.—
Joe Baur,
Outside,
31 Oct. 2025
-
In the video, Campos whips her long hair in disbelief.—
Christina Noriega,
Refinery29,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The first is Christopher Walken as Gabriel, a mean-spirited angel who sniffs and licks crime scenes and inspects children’s teeth for reasons that sort of make sense within the movie.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Posted to the account @maisythemarshmallow on September 19, the video shows the dog, named Maisy, lying calmly as the cat snuggles up and licks her face.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Whales.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whales. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share