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whaling 1 of 2

noun

Definition of whalingnext
as in clubbing

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whaling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of whale
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
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

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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 whaling
Noun
Along with Norway and Japan, Iceland is one of the only countries still practicing commercial whaling. — ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026 The backstory Portuguese whaling crews once launched their boats from the beach on the property. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026
Verb
Watson was imprisoned in Greenland for five months in 2024 after being arrested on a Japanese warrant over charges of obstructing a whaling ship in 2010. — ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026 The New Bedford Whaling Museum in Massachusetts, which highlights the history, science and art of whaling rather than marine animals, embraced the one-star review by boldly printing the phrase on T-shirts, sweatshirts and tote bags. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for whaling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whaling
  1. clubbing
  2. smacking
  3. hiding
  4. pounding
  5. attack
  6. slapping
  7. whipping
  8. licking
Noun
  • Vogue Italia describes soft clubbing as moving clubbing out of traditional nightlife venues and into places like bars, bakeries and gardens during morning and brunch hours.
    — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Vogue Italia describes soft clubbing as moving the club out of traditional nightlife venues and into bars, bakeries and gardens during morning and brunch hours, with cappuccino replacing cocktails as DJ sets and brunch converge.
    — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of clubbing
Verb
  • Carrington was ejected from the game in the first half after smacking Cunningham across the face during Cunningham's layup attempt.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Catcher Daniel Susac followed up Wednesday’s two-home-run game by smacking a two-run shot, and the Giants bullpen didn’t break down while protecting a 4-1 victory.
    — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of smacking
Verb
  • Hemingway escaped through a rear door and was later found by a police canine unit, allegedly hiding in a neighbor’s backyard, according to police.
    — Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026
  • To Guide Drug Development In drug development, immediate value is often hiding in data organizations already collect but don’t fully leverage.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of hiding
Verb
  • An early fall nor’easter is gathering strength along the central East Coast, pounding beaches in several states with heavy surf and threatening to bring coastal flooding, wind and rain to parts of the Northeast through the weekend.
    — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Chappell Roan’s theatrical delivery rises alongside pounding drums and bright synths, transforming self-discovery into a full-room celebration.
    — Brittney Williams, Billboard, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of pounding
Noun
  • Russia's overnight attack on Ukraine included anti-ship missiles, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and more than 200 drones, Ukraine's air force said.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The platform largely automated the rest of the attack process as well.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of attack
Verb
  • Canada is slapping hefty counter-tariffs on farm machinery, such as combine parts, mowing equipment and livestock trailers.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026
  • He was asked about the interaction, and briefly talked about seeing all the reaction videos on X, including the AI one with Sarkisian slapping Rowe.
    — Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of slapping
Verb
  • Goalkeeper Emi Martinez floated a ball over Ezri Konsa to Rogers, who exchanged passes with Joao Pedro before shifting sharply onto his right foot and whipping a shot just wide of David Raya’s far post.
    — Liam Twomey, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Stand mixers are the best choice for things like kneading bread dough, whipping egg whites and mixing cookies, but blenders are best for breaking down more substantial foods to create beautifully smooth purees.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of whipping
Verb
  • In the post, Wouter was pictured wearing a dog cone, which is used to prevent pets from licking, chewing or scratching surgical sites or wounds.
    — Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Baldwin’s post featured a video of the dog licking a cherry ice pop and looking at the rain.
    — Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of licking

Browse Nearby Words

whales
whaling
wham
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Cite this Entry

“Whaling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whaling. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on whaling

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about whaling

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