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
Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
The fewer than 100 Rice’s whales remaining live across the Gulf but are most common off Florida, and the opinion estimated that drilling will kill nine Rice’s whales through vessel strikes and seriously injure three more over the next 45 years.
—Christian Wagley, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2026
The remote location, only accessible by helicopter or float plane, means guests are likely to spot bears, deer, and whales regularly.
—Katie Nanton, Travel + Leisure, 30 Dec. 2025
Now, to me, whales, wild animals, don’t take chances.
—Kathleen Rellihan, Outside, 28 Dec. 2025
Typically, scientists collect samples from wild whales by getting close to them in a boat, and then shooting a dart gun to snag a small skin sample.
—Juana Summers, NPR, 26 Dec. 2025
And the global population of whales declined precipitously to the point of near extinction.
—Justin Worland, Time, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
But for the population, which stands at 384 whales, to rebound from its substantial losses in the past decade, many more calves will need to be born.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
The fewer than 100 Rice’s whales remaining live across the Gulf but are most common off Florida, and the opinion estimated that drilling will kill nine Rice’s whales through vessel strikes and seriously injure three more over the next 45 years.
—Christian Wagley, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2026
The remote location, only accessible by helicopter or float plane, means guests are likely to spot bears, deer, and whales regularly.
—Katie Nanton, Travel + Leisure, 30 Dec. 2025
Now, to me, whales, wild animals, don’t take chances.
—Kathleen Rellihan, Outside, 28 Dec. 2025
Typically, scientists collect samples from wild whales by getting close to them in a boat, and then shooting a dart gun to snag a small skin sample.
—Juana Summers, NPR, 26 Dec. 2025
And the global population of whales declined precipitously to the point of near extinction.
—Justin Worland, Time, 5 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whales
Noun
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In other words, political dinosaurs—or monsters—must at least give lip service to affordability.—
Alissa Quart
January 2,
Literary Hub,
2 Jan. 2026
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Here are a few of this year's most unexpected and fascinating discoveries, ranging from the social lives of dinosaurs to still-undiscovered giants.—
Janet Loehrke,
USA Today,
28 Dec. 2025
Verb
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This midsize option from Bagsmart hits the sweet spot with plenty of interior and exterior pockets to keep essentials organized and accessible.—
Annie Blackman,
InStyle,
15 Jan. 2026
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And that, in turn, is pushing more credit card and loan accounts into delinquency, forcing borrowers to try and find the right way to respond after a collection notice appears or a new account hits their credit file.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In fact, Ross typically hides from no one, usually strolling through the locker room to make his exit.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
8 Jan. 2026
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In season 5, episode 2, Karen hides in the tub with her daughter, Holly, while holding her breath to hide from a demogorgon—this scene truly depicts a mother’s unconditional love.—
Lynnette Nicholas,
Parents,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Burrell pounds his way down to the four-yard line.—
Caleb Yum,
Austin American Statesman,
18 Oct. 2025
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The man simply pounds the zone.—
Dan Freedman,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The president said Thursday that the two mortgage giants under government conservatorship, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, have $200 billion in cash that will be used to make the mortgage bond purchases.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
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The Royal Caribbean Group broke ground on a new terminal at PortMiami on Thursday, a sign that cruise giants continue to see the 305 as a key source of passengers.—
Vinod Sreeharsha,
Miami Herald,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Coley punches back, and Sonya manages to pull her off of him.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
17 Dec. 2025
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Red Masks hold Fiona back Fiona as Constance punches her multiple times.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Or whips around his defender in a bold pirouette.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Jan. 2026
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Marty whips off his sport coat and throws it in the crowd.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
25 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Weir picked up his first guitar licks from David Nelson and future Jefferson Airplane member Jorma Kaukonen.—
Richard Gehr,
Rolling Stone,
10 Jan. 2026
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Everybody licks the big pink flesh wall.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
13 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Whales.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whales. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.
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