manta ray

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

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 manta ray The guides use specialized lights to attract plankton, which draw in manta rays for a closer look. Kait Hanson, Travel + Leisure, 16 May 2026 Some environmental advocates who had called for a total ban of wild manta ray captures for aquariums, domestically or abroad, said the decision Wednesday was still a welcome change. Max Chesnes, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026 Discovery can help scientists better understand animal relationships Yeager said that the remora-manta ray relationship is a relatively new scientific debate but represents a broader shift in the way scientists are thinking about how animals interact in nature. James Powel, USA Today, 14 May 2026 On one occasion, a suckerfish was captured disappearing into a manta ray's backside after a diver swimming nearby appeared to startle it. Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for manta ray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manta ray
Noun
  • Additionally, as neutrino creation is accompanied by gamma-ray emission, the model had to ensure that in creating high-energy neutrinos, blazars didn't generate enough gamma-ray radiation to exceed the extragalactic gamma-ray background measured by the Fermi space telescope.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 28 May 2026
  • In terms of upholstery, look for quick-drying materials but also those that have a coating to withstand mildew growth and deal with harsh UV rays without fading.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 28 May 2026
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
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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Manta ray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manta%20ray. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on manta ray

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster