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
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of whales
Valerie Greene, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2026
At her home on Vancouver Island, the Canadian-American actor spends her days scanning the chop for whales, not floundering swimmers.
—Andrea Sachs, Washington Post, 13 Mar. 2026
While winters are cold, the months of May through October are divine; go on scenic cruises, explore historic lighthouses, and see the migrating whales.
—Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 13 Mar. 2026
Endangered whales There are estimated to be just 384 right whales left on the planet.
—Neal Riley, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026
In addition to a long music career, McDonald remained politically active, advocating on behalf of saving the whales and helping Vietnam War veterans.
—Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 8 Mar. 2026
From there and elsewhere around the house, the family watches as whales breach, dolphins surface, surfers catch breaks, and neighbors stroll the promenade.
—Jennifer Fernandez, Architectural Digest, 6 Mar. 2026
Environmental groups who have sought to protect endangered beluga whales and other species in the area cheered the development.
—Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026
Last year’s count estimated 11,700 to 14,200 whales.
—Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
Whale Sanctuary Project has yet to actually build a sanctuary despite collecting millions in donations over the last decade and has no backup plan if the whales fail to adapt.
—Valerie Greene, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2026
At her home on Vancouver Island, the Canadian-American actor spends her days scanning the chop for whales, not floundering swimmers.
—Andrea Sachs, Washington Post, 13 Mar. 2026
While winters are cold, the months of May through October are divine; go on scenic cruises, explore historic lighthouses, and see the migrating whales.
—Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 13 Mar. 2026
Endangered whales There are estimated to be just 384 right whales left on the planet.
—Neal Riley, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026
In addition to a long music career, McDonald remained politically active, advocating on behalf of saving the whales and helping Vietnam War veterans.
—Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 8 Mar. 2026
From there and elsewhere around the house, the family watches as whales breach, dolphins surface, surfers catch breaks, and neighbors stroll the promenade.
—Jennifer Fernandez, Architectural Digest, 6 Mar. 2026
Environmental groups who have sought to protect endangered beluga whales and other species in the area cheered the development.
—Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026
Last year’s count estimated 11,700 to 14,200 whales.
—Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 5 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whales
Noun
-
The cardboard castle continued to prompt lessons, as children brought toy dragons to live inside it, then discussed taking pets to a veterinarian and then pivoted to dinosaurs.—
Michael Cuglietta,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Mar. 2026
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The leg bone uncovered in New Mexico belongs to an unusually large tyrannosaur—the group of dinosaurs that includes the mightyTyrannosaurus rex.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Jerusalem, timid about the prospect of a land invasion, can only respond with more airstrikes until the regime hits its breaking point and the people rise up.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Lexus always hits the 3 Ss for SUV consumers – sportiness, style and storage – and the RX350 is no different.—
Marc D. Grasso,
Boston Herald,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Even that comparison hides a lot of pain headed for retirees under current law, Smetters said.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
19 Mar. 2026
-
This information is conveyed by a hilariously avant-garde Poulter, playing the store’s manager, who dyes his hair to match each monochromatic scheme and hides his nefariousness behind a company policy that requires techno music to be played at maximum volume at all times.—
Jada Yuan,
Vulture,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Irons pounds the drums like Bam-Bam smashing on two garbage-can lids.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Macron said France is expending diplomatic capital to ensure a return to calm and to allow for the Lebanese armed forces to assert themselves as Israel pounds Hezbollah positions.—
Sylvie Corbet,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Social media giants urged to tighten child safety after UK rejects blanket ban for teens.—
Ian King,
CNBC,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Today’s Taiwan, while rich in biodiversity, has nothing remotely comparable to these ancient giants.—
Hanna Wickes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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One man repeatedly punches a man lying on the ground while another man appears to hold his feet.—
Caelyn Pender,
Mercury News,
11 Mar. 2026
-
All three appear to assessing damage and talking before Riley punches a rear quarter window on Barber's vehicle, the complaint said.—
Drake Bentley,
jsonline.com,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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When a dog repeatedly wags and whips its tail against hard surfaces, the tip can split open, bruise or break.—
Miriam Fauzia,
Dallas Morning News,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Benbrook whips Diamond Hill-Jarvis Benbrook stayed on pace for a playoff berth in District 8-4A as the Lady Bobcats thumped Fort Worth Diamond Hill-Jarvis 55-7.—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Then, Mitski licks up the blood on the girl’s finger.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
16 Jan. 2026
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After the drill, Ruin rolls onto his back, then licks a reporter's nose.—
Megan Sauer
Tasia Jensen,
CNBC,
14 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Whales.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whales. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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