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
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of whaling
Elise Taylor, Vogue, 2 June 2025
The docks these 29 cottages sit on – from studio up to three bedroom; most have a deck – were once the center of one of the world’s busiest and most successful whaling ports.
—Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 18 May 2025
Sarah Buder, AFAR Media, 2 Oct. 2025
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
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
The docks these 29 cottages sit on – from studio up to three bedroom; most have a deck – were once the center of one of the world’s busiest and most successful whaling ports.
—Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 18 May 2025
Noun
The Whaling Museum is a must-do to learn the basics of Nantucket’s past—the Wampanoag people, notable abolitionists and suffragettes, 19th-century industry and transportation—as well as its legacy in the whaling industry.
—Sarah Buder, AFAR Media, 2 Oct. 2025
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
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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And inside the hedges was my tour photographer hiding in bushes that had not previously been there.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
11 Oct. 2025
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In 2024, Machado’s candidacy was blocked, she was prevented from leaving the country, and she has been forced to live in hiding.—
Tom Chivers,
semafor.com,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Here, a shopping mall serves as a safe haven from the undead pounding on the doors outside.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Oct. 2025
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The service itself pulsed with sound with horns blaring, drums pounding and voices rising in song.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
4 Oct. 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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Then, Lukes came through for Toronto once again, slapping a single into left field to cash both runs.—
The Athletic MLB Staff,
New York Times,
9 Oct. 2025
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Lawrence attempted to go over the pile on a fourth-down snap from the 1-yard line, but Bolton greeted him there, slapping the ball away and forcing a fumble inches before the ball reached the line.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
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While summer may be over, nothing is stopping you from whipping this thing out for the holiday season.—
Wilder Davies,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
7 Oct. 2025
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The wind was whipping this past week at McGrath Stadium, mist in the air.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Elizabeth and Dominic's 95 guests burst into laughter as the dog jumped into the fountain and began walking around, licking up water.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
PEOPLE,
10 Oct. 2025
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Charlotte has the right process, but the Hornets are also licking their wounds a bit from a couple of 2024 offseason moves that didn’t quite work out.—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Advertisement An investigation led by the Guardian found in September that out of the 6,000 Palestinians from Gaza held by Israel since the Hamas terror attack two years ago, only one quarter were held on suspicion of militant links.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
9 Oct. 2025
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This was the worst one-day attack on Israel since the country's founding in 1948.—
Greg Myre,
NPR,
9 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Whaling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whaling. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.
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