fer-de-lance

noun

Definition of fer-de-lancenext
as in rattlesnake

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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 fer-de-lance Encounters with fer-de-lance can be minimized by maintaining clear boundaries between natural habitats and human spaces. — Scott Travers, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025 Because fer-de-lance snakes have slightly different venom in different areas, for instance, the researchers mix in venom taken from snakes on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the country before injecting it in the horses. — Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 13 June 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fer-de-lance
  1. rattlesnake
  2. copperhead
  3. cobra
  4. python
  5. moccasin
  6. mamba
  7. constrictor
  8. boa
Noun
  • Over the weekend, three dogs were reportedly bitten by a rattlesnake inside the open space.
    — Gabriela Vidal, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • How to identify venomous snakes The rattlesnake is the only native venomous snake in California, according to the University of California’s Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program.
    — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado Updated August 5, Sacbee.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of rattlesnake
Noun
  • Signage along the trail informs users of the wildlife that make the sanctuary their home, like the ebony jewelwing damselfly, Osage copperhead snake and even bobcats.
    — Nick Wagner, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Owens explained that baby copperhead bites — and copperhead bites in general — are rare.
    — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2026
Definition of copperhead
Noun
  • The cobra seems angry and writhes and attacks, and the handler holds the snake at bay, looking like a man who has made poor lifestyle choices and therefore deserves whatever is coming courtesy of his snake pal.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026
  • McMahan was vital in discovering a new form of cobra lily, Arisaema mcmahanii, in Vietnam.
    — Felicia Feaster, AJC.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of cobra
Noun
  • The snake, later identified as an approximately eight-foot-long Burmese python, had slithered beneath the floor of a wooden shed.
    — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The full list of this year’s top python hunters is finally here.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of python
Noun
  • Seersucker jackets, moccasins without socks, and dress shirts designed to expose just enough of the body to be sensual.
    — Dave Schilling Contributing Follow, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
  • Alternatively, this look pairs a petal-pink mini with Prada loafer moccasin shoes.
    — Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 27 May 2026
Definition of moccasin
Noun
  • The progression observed in black mamba envenomation reflects a different process.
    — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 29 May 2026
  • The Oilers’ penalty kill had its issues –– virtually any team with weak goaltending does –– but their power play remained as lethal as a black mamba.
    — Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026
Definition of mamba
Noun
  • If this animal sounds like a Burmese python, that’s because the serpent-like fish — known as Asian swamp eels — have a lot in common with the big, invasive constrictors.
    — Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The snake was identified as a carpet python, a non-venomous constrictor commonly found in Australia’s coastal regions.
    — Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 18 Jan. 2026
Definition of constrictor
Noun
  • Cheers erupted when Griffin, Parker and her two children from previous relationships led a calf with a giant pink boa and a fluffy pink flower around its neck into the yard.
    — KC Baker, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026
  • Pugh accessorized with a feather boa and gold statement jewelry.
    — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 24 May 2026
Definition of boa

Browse Nearby Words

ferals
fer-de-lance
ferine
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Cite this Entry

“Fer-de-lance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fer-de-lance. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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