Synonyms for

Whale

Verb / weɪl / / hweɪl / Another word for whale — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A very large marine mammal with a streamlined hairless body, a horizontal tail fin, and a blowhole on top of the head for breathing.

Synonyms & similar words

hulk giant heavyweight Cetacean Leviathan Orca Dolphin Porpoise Narwhal Squidhound

Synonyms by register

Formal

cetacean marine mammal

Informal

big fish leviathan

Literary

sea-beast leviathan great fish

Antonyms

minnow guppy small fish tiny creature dwarf midget

Common collocations

  • blue whale
  • sperm whale
  • humpback whale
  • whale watching
  • whale shark
  • whale song
  • whale oil
  • whale migration

Word family

noun whale
verb whale

Usage note

While 'whale' can refer to any large marine mammal, it is most commonly associated with the order Cetacea. The verb 'to whale' means to hunt whales or to strike forcefully.

Example sentences

  1. The whale swam gracefully through the ocean.
  2. Whales are known for their beautiful songs.
  3. A group of whales is called a pod.
  4. Some whales can hold their breath for over an hour.
  5. Whales are important animals in many cultures.

Quotes

  • I am a whale and always a whale. - Herman Melville
  • The whale is endangered, while the ant continues to do just fine. - Bill Vaughan
  • The whale is nature's great masterpiece, written on the sky. - Herman Melville

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