bray 1 of 2

verb

Definition of braynext
as in to grind
to reduce to fine particles bray the seeds using a mortar and pestle

Synonyms & Similar Words

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bray

2 of 2

noun

as in bleat

Related Words

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 bray
Verb
The need to placate a braying mob of X posters desperate to see Lemon in chains does not constitute an emergency. — Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 30 Jan. 2026 Shortly after the New Year's ball drops (only once) in New York City, the Zohran Mamdani era will begin in the Big Apple and the political horses will be braying at the gates to start the 2026 midterm election season in earnest. — James Powel, USA Today, 31 Dec. 2025
Noun
Timbaland’s eerie, minimalist production — stuttering beat patterns, yawning silences between drum hits, synth riffs that bray and heave — was the ideal vehicle for Elliott’s slaloming, heavily syncopated raps. — New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026 My father mistakes it for the verb to bray, like a donkey. — Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bray
  1. grind
  2. bleat
  3. pound
  4. screech
  5. crush
  6. moo
  7. beat
  8. squawk
Verb
  • The intricacies of the interpersonal dynamics and conversational turns in the scene ground the dispute in emotion, and two characters who were once at odds find common ground.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Kruz and Josie catch the guy’s eye on the dance floor and invite him to join their impromptu grinding session, which is also when Joe catches the pair touching in a way that suggests relationship-level familiarity.
    — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of grind
Noun
  • On the southern end of the loop, check out the interactive Bison Center to feel hides, hear the creatures’ varied grunts and bleats, and learn about the park’s efforts to sustainably maintain the herd.
    — Jess Hoffert, Midwest Living, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The real money to be made from the president’s online bleats isn’t in knowing what the US government is going to do.
    — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of bleat
Verb
  • Sarajevans still remember his commands to the Serb gunmen pounding the Bosnian capital in early 1992.
    — Jovana Gec, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Deadly landslides struck Southern and Central California, wiping out hillside homes, and powerful waves pounded the state’s shoreline.
    — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of pound
Noun
  • The screech of guitar feedback echoed from a makeshift stage outside, where a punk-rock band had just launched into their set, a fitting accompaniment to the bar’s kaleidoscopic selection of beer.
    — Taran Dugal, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026
  • La Vierge de Fer contrasts the delicate fruit and a lily note with the screech of cold metal, sparkling aldehydes, and lilting sandalwood.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of screech
Verb
  • After flooding the courtyard, crushing vehicles and destroying part of one of the surrounding buildings, the liquid flowed into the buildings’ lower floors, where workers were holding morning meetings.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Concerns about the software industry’s obsolescence fueled a massive sell-off earlier this year as investors bet AI agents would crush the sector’s business models.
    — J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of crush
Noun
  • My personal highlights were the tender, lightly caramelized moo ping pork skewers with sticky rice, succulent tomato stracciatella sourdough toast, and copious flawless mango, which melted in my mouth like butter.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Junior Heifers One building was filled with the almost deafening hum of high-power hair dryers and the occasional moo.
    — Chris Torres, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Jan. 2026
Definition of moo
Verb
  • The last time two American women played in the Cincinnati final was in 1970, when Rosie Casals beat Nancy Richey.
    — Jeff Wallner, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026
  • A day earlier, the Buccaneers had beaten the Panthers in their final game of the regular season, only to witness Carolina claim the NFC South anyway.
    — Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of beat
Noun
  • For aviation geeks or those who simply want to keep track of their plane’s unique flying data and route, squawk codes can be tracked on apps and websites like Flightradar24 and Flight Beacon.
    — Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2026
  • Air traffic control at Heathrow cleared the flight for a priority return after the pilots issued a squawk 7700 — the code for a general emergency.
    — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026
Definition of squawk

Browse Nearby Words

brawny
bray
brayed
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Cite this Entry

“Bray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bray. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on bray

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bray

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