manta ray

noun

Definition of manta raynext
as in ray
any of several extremely large rays the manta ray blended in beautifully with the sandy ocean floor

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 manta ray After dark, visitors may even spot manta rays gliding through the water. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2026 From a biodiversity standpoint, due to the warm waters, Kenya has everything from beautiful nudibranchs (colorful small creatures) to enormous whale sharks and manta rays, with everything in-between. — Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026 The Butcher’s Feast is more than enough for a full meal, but there are other treasures, too, like a beef-noodle soup built on a spectacularly rich, slightly offal-ish broth made with marrow bones, with paper-thin slices of A5-Wagyu rib eye swimming in it like manta rays. — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 24 May 2026 The nearby Nusa islands offer quieter beaches and snorkeling with manta rays for travelers who want more solitude. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 21 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for manta ray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manta ray
  1. ray
  2. sea devil
  3. manta
Noun
  • The ingredient, which has been used in Europe and other countries for years, provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
    — Kaitlyn Harvey, AJC.com, 17 July 2026
  • The style is hard-working in the heat, featuring the brand’s Omni-Shade UPF 50 to protect against harsh UVA and UVB rays that cause wrinkles and sunburn, respectively.
    — Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026
Definition of ray
Noun
  • Among certain species of anglerfish, like those in the sea devil (Ceratiidae) family, males are little more than sperm sacs with nostrils.
    — Katherine J. Wu, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Feb. 2020
Definition of sea devil
Noun
  • The resident Manta Trust team has catalogued 150 individual rays and uses the world's first underwater contactless ultrasound scanner to check on pregnant mantas, while the Olive Ridley Project leads turtle research across Laamu Atoll.
    — Jonny Bierman, Time, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Watching a documentary about mantas, reef sharks, or this area is one thing.
    — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 1 Mar. 2026
Definition of manta

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manta
manta ray
manta rays
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Cite this Entry

“Manta ray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manta%20ray. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on manta ray

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about manta ray

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