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
Relevance
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
Ironically, the studies revealed that wet clay shale rocks along the Darién route meant nuclear explosives might not work well there.
—
Christine Keiner, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026
Some say they are reincarnated Grammy-winning studio musicians, some say their internal organs still lay in clay pots back in Egypt.
—Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
The heads may be bronze, but the feet can turn out to be clay.
—Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
Plants tolerate a wide range of soil types including sand, clay, and loam.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clay
Christine Keiner, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026
Some say they are reincarnated Grammy-winning studio musicians, some say their internal organs still lay in clay pots back in Egypt.
—Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
The heads may be bronze, but the feet can turn out to be clay.
—Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
Plants tolerate a wide range of soil types including sand, clay, and loam.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clay
Noun
-
Like any other self-flushing litter box, this one needs to be connected to both a water source and a drain.—
Maryna Holovnova,
New Atlas,
30 Mar. 2026
-
This group isn’t going anywhere if those two don’t get back to their usual selves.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Ask for a tour of the grounds and a nature walk to see the astounding green spaces, tropical trees, and untouched forest.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Investigators are now examining the wreckage to determine the exact nature of the malfunction.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Organizers passed out white candles and orange and red roses to the crowd on the lawn, filled with the colors orange and green, Metayer Bowen’s favorite colors and the colors of her alma mater Florida A&M University.—
Angie DiMichele,
Sun Sentinel,
4 Apr. 2026
-
The colors include Diresul Fiber-Teak (brown), Diresul Fiber-Slate (blue-gray) and Diresul Fiber-Graphite (dark gray)—echoing the growing demand for wearable neutrals.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Aries season is in full swing through the 19th, bringing a surge of forward momentum, physical energy, and the desire to begin again after March's more reflective tone.—
Kirah Tabourn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
-
But the tone of the new pictures also suggests a return to the Romanticism that rankled him in his youth, or at least a lighter, less conflicted touch.—
Chris Wiley,
New Yorker,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
According to Dunn, the small amount of division comes from online personalities such as Tucker Carlson, Matt Gaetz and Steve Bannon.—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Of all the criteria the employer has to weigh, including personality and work ethic, the candidate’s ability to do the job carries the most weight.—
Amy Lindgren,
Twin Cities,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clay. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
