porpoise Synonyms
Another word for porpoise
• noun (Context 1)
Any of several small, toothed marine mammals of the family Phocoenidae, native to coastal waters and oceans worldwide, distinguished by their blunt snouts, spade-shaped teeth, and stocky bodies.
"We watched a small pod of harbor porpoises swim alongside the ferry as we crossed the bay."
• verb (Context 2)
To leap in and out of the water in a continuous sequence of short, shallow dives, typical of the swimming pattern of marine mammals and certain penguins.
"The penguins were porpoising through the icy waves to gain speed and escape a pursuing leopard seal."
• verb (Context 3)
To move with a rhythmic pitching motion, alternately rising and falling (especially of a boat in rough seas or an aircraft experiencing aerodynamic instability).
"The small speedboat began to pitch violently as it hit the choppy wake of the larger vessel."
Opposites of porpoise
Looking for antonyms? The opposite of porpoise varies depending on the context. Here are a few common opposites: