1
as in smacking
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
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2
as in hiding
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 pounding
to strike repeatedly
mercilessly whaled the pickpocket for stealing from her purse
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in clubbing
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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of whaling
Elise Taylor, Vogue, 2 June 2025
Although whaling was almost entirely banned worldwide in 1986, the whales’ numbers have not recovered.
—Nate Iglehart, Christian Science Monitor, 21 May 2025
Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 17 Sep. 2025
And since each ship carried three to five whaleboats, the amount of rope needed just to conduct whaling operations on one whaleship was as much as ten thousand feet.
—Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for whaling
Verb
So for those lucky enough to visit the village—yes, the former whaling port isn’t technically a town—here’s a guide on the best restaurants, shops, and places to stay.
—Elise Taylor, Vogue, 2 June 2025
Although whaling was almost entirely banned worldwide in 1986, the whales’ numbers have not recovered.
—Nate Iglehart, Christian Science Monitor, 21 May 2025
Noun
Holding court on Captain’s Row—an area of the village inhabited by sea captains during the 19th century when the town was a thriving whaling port—the stately Greek Revival home was built in the 1840s and is known as Pond View for its scenic locale overlooking Otter Pond and Sag Harbor Cove.
—Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 17 Sep. 2025
And since each ship carried three to five whaleboats, the amount of rope needed just to conduct whaling operations on one whaleship was as much as ten thousand feet.
—Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for whaling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whaling
Verb
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Really, there’s only one character onstage who commands an audience’s attention, and that’s Hines’ gum-smacking sister-in-law, who turns from antagonist to supporter.—
Rob Hubbard,
Twin Cities,
22 Sep. 2025
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Cal Raleigh tied Mickey Mantle for most home runs in one season for a switch hitter after smacking his 54th dinger yesterday.—
Chris Branch,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Then, in the early 2010s, fracking and horizontal drilling technology unlocked the deposits hiding in the shale bed and unleashed vast wealth that went beyond the county residents’ wildest dreams.—
Mitch Moxley,
Rolling Stone,
27 Sep. 2025
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The former high school football player who killed four people inside a Manhattan office tower that houses the headquarters of the NFL, and who blamed the league for hiding the dangers of brain injuries, was suffering from the degenerative brain disease CTE, a city medical examiner said Friday.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Layered with live jazz and pounding percussion from experimental duo Robin Schulkowsky and Joey Baron, the result gave Hedda an extra pulse.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Oct. 2025
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My heart was pounding in my chest and in my ears.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
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But after a night out clubbing and drinking, Connor — expecting to rekindle a romance with Olivia — acquiesces to her suggestion of a threesome, a decision that inevitably alters the course of their lives.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
11 Sep. 2025
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From left: Andrea Farrington, 39, talks to her camera in her home about her clubbing days.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
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By slapping a $100,000 filing fee on H=1B visas, the White House has declared the days of cheap labor pipelines and visa abuse officially over.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
1 Oct. 2025
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On the knee-to-knee collision between each team’s superstar, Collier badly rolled her left ankle and was lying on the floor and slapping the court with her hand as Thomas made her drive.—
Mike Cook,
Twin Cities,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Video from Camiguin Island, posted by the Philippines Department of the Interior and Local Government, showed fierce winds and ocean water whipping past houses onto a residential street.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
23 Sep. 2025
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After whipping Minnesota 22-6 on the road in Week 2, the Falcons were shut out by the Panthers in Week 3.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
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During a bedtime conversation between Kaz and Caesar, for example, their dog keeps licking Caesar as Kaz tries to have a serious talk with him.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
25 Sep. 2025
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Astro came up to Mars and immediately sniffed him and then started licking him.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The confirmation of drones over Germany comes as NATO's Denmark investigates a wave of drone disruption to its airports that officials have characterized as a hybrid attack, and coincides with Estonian, Polish, and Romanian accusations against Russia of serious airspace incursions.—
Robert Birsel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
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Overseas activists have tried to deliver aid in the past to Gaza but have either been intercepted by Israeli forces or come under some form of attack.—
Billy Stockwell,
CNN Money,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Whaling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whaling. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.
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