jellyfish

noun

ˈje-lē-ˌfish How to pronounce jellyfish (audio)
Definition of jellyfishnext
as in coward
a person without strength of character a jellyfish who was afraid to tell her boss that her latest brainstorm was just plain bad

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 jellyfish People should also stay alert to local water conditions, including rip currents and the presence of other marine animals such as jellyfish. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026 The lion's mane jellyfish has been spotted along the coast of Massachusetts and other New England states — and in higher-than-normal numbers usually seen at the start of summer, according to local outlets Cape Cod Times, Swampscott Tides and WCVB. — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026 The waves will carry the paralyzed bodies to the shore, and even dead jellyfish have been known to sting. — New Atlas, 30 June 2026 If Arenado has made a career of being a thorn in the Giants’ side, Marte has been a jellyfish up their swim shorts this season. — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for jellyfish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jellyfish
  1. coward
  2. reed
  3. mouse
  4. sheep
Noun
  • In reality, the refs just do the bidding of the cowards behind the curtain.
    — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 14 July 2026
  • That’s the sign of a true coward.
    — Maria Bamford, Vulture, 23 June 2026
Definition of coward
Noun
  • Across the street, the Llano River splashes its way over limestone formations and into reed thickets.
    — Pam LeBlanc, Southern Living, 20 July 2026
  • Just water, the tips of reeds, a floating mat of palmetto thatching that might have been someone’s roof.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 July 2026
Definition of reed
Noun
  • The flashbacks deliver some classic cat-and-mouse conspiracy-thriller action, as these two try to figure out who’s on their tail.
    — Noel Murray, Vulture, 24 July 2026
  • Sky Rocket fires riders from 0 to 50 mph in under three seconds into a vertical top‑hat and three inversions, while Exterminator hides indoors as a spinning wild mouse in the dark.
    — Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 22 July 2026
Definition of mouse
Noun
  • In this peaceful spot, there’s nothing to hear but cowbells, baa-ing sheep and the breeze.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 July 2026
  • Additional buildings include an equipment barn, cattle and alpaca barns, a chicken coop, and another barn for goats and sheep.
    — Mark David, Robb Report, 27 July 2026
Definition of sheep

Browse Nearby Words

jelly
jellyfish
jellying
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Jellyfish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jellyfish. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on jellyfish

Nglish: Translation of jellyfish for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about jellyfish

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