clay

noun

ˈklā How to pronounce clay (audio)
Definition of claynext
as in self
the set of qualities that makes a person, a group of people, or a thing different from others had the feeling that the natives were of a different clay than us and that neither side would ever understand the other

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 clay The textile dissolved in the making process, leaving its pattern impressed in clay. — Kristen Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026 This last characteristic is great for worms and bivalves that vibrate their way through it, but not so great when earthquakes cause silts and clays to slump into landslides. — Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 5 Oct. 2026 Daffodils, alliums, crocuses and snowdrops are somewhat more tolerant of clay soil than other bulbs. — Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026 For three years, as Israeli bombs made ruins of the ground, some of the trees and vines had clung to life in the spongy layer of clay below. — Ghada Abdulfattah, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clay
  1. self
  2. nature
  3. colors
  4. tone
  5. personality
Noun
  • The Zeiss Dry Eye Relief Warm Eye Mask is single-use and self-heating, providing gentle warmth for at least 15 minutes without a microwave.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Ahmed was at once stranded in France and thriving in a world where nobody questioned his self-mythology.
    — Ben Taub, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of self
Noun
  • Sometimes, when relationships and world politics give people plenty to be angry about, the impulse is to go outside, disconnect, and be one with nature.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Four-day yoga retreats on the riverbank, nature walks, and helicopter flights over Victoria Falls are just some of the activities on offer.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of nature
Noun
  • Leaning into its history, Kessler has outfitted the hotel with installations that channel the Jurassic period, including life size dinosaur skeletons and fossils, backlit in a range of bright colors, displayed throughout the walls.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Oct. 2026
  • While pieces fashioned from metal, including brass and iron, are an obvious choice, the motif can also take shape in bright colors, swirling abstract glass, or more vampy furniture–see, House of Hackney’s black velvet chair.
    — Hannah Coates, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of colors
Noun
  • The 10% pure L-ascorbic acid works to fight against free radical damage and even out skin tone, while a blend of hyaluronic acid and ceramides helps hydrate skin and fortify the skin barrier.
    — Deanna Pai, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Instead of lace-up flats, the actress opted for a pair of strappy Christian Louboutin pumps in a metallic shade that only augmented the warm tones of the Monse design.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of tone
Noun
  • There’s the menagerie of found object ephemera that provides a sense of intimacy and personality (look for the wild bit of art hanging in the spa entrance).
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Piane’s compositions provided a foundation for contestants to showcase their personalities, give memorable performances and embrace the camp and theatricality that became hallmarks of the franchise.
    — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of personality

Phrases Containing clay

Browse Nearby Words

claws
clay
clayey
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Cite this Entry

“Clay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clay. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on clay

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about clay

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