Definition of dryadnext
as in nymph
a mythical goddess represented as a young girl and said to live outdoors dryads were said to live within trees, their lives ending when the life of the tree ended

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 dryad In Ovid’s version of the story, after cutting down a sacred oak, Erysichthon is cursed with insatiable hunger by the dryad nymph who inhabited it. Ellen Walker, JSTOR Daily, 3 Sep. 2025 Having regained his health, Geralt heads off with Jaskier and the dryad Milva to find Ciri, following a little skirmish with some power-mad guards. Nick Romano, EW.com, 27 July 2023 Breaking off a piece of the mushroom, Sheldrake pointed out its pores and scaly top, then tentatively identified it as dryad saddle. Jennifer Kahn, New York Times, 8 June 2023 Players will start out controlling a centaur with a whip as their dungeon manager, but eventually a dryad enchantress and monkey engineer can also be unlocked, with each master necessitating various styles of gameplay. Jason Bennett, Arkansas Online, 24 May 2021 Isaac, the dryad Lena Greenwood, and the fire-spider Smudge lead the efforts to uncover the mystery. John Booth, WIRED, 7 Aug. 2012
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dryad
Noun
  • Lisa stepped onto the red carpet and seemingly out of a fairytale, wearing a sheer, black gown that reads witchy forest nymph in the most fabulous way.
    Marci Robin, Allure, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Meanwhile, along his journey, Odysseus encounters iconic figures from Greek mythology, including the nymph Calypso, the sorceress Circe and the goddess Athena, all while striving to reunite with his family.
    Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 27 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • The dress featured brown brocade detailing over nude mesh fabric and a tulle mermaid-style lower skirt.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 2026
  • At the 83rd annual Golden Globe Awards, where presented the award for Best Male Actor in a Musical or Comedy, Lopez wore a form-fitting mermaid-style gown with a sheer top that put her toned abs on full display.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dryad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dryad. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.

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