manta rays

plural of manta ray
as in rays
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 rays Real manta rays propel themselves by rhythmically flapping and undulating their enormous pectoral fins. New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2026 Nusa Lembongan, the neighboring island connected by the landmark 450-foot-long Yellow Bridge, is where scuba divers seek encounters with manta rays and whales, and snorkeling enthusiasts can spend hours floating above vibrant coral reefs. Norm Bour, Travel + Leisure, 1 Sep. 2026 Stretching across more than 139,000 hectares, Hanifaru Bay is home to coral reefs with colorful shoals of fish, turtles, manta rays, and whale sharks. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026 The film also traces Kennedy’s redemption from a troubled past that included the Hells Angels and time in prison, while highlighting the growing threats facing manta rays and the urgency of protecting them. Maya Santiago, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026 While beneficial for the sharks, the impact on manta rays is unclear, potentially causing stress or disrupting their natural cleaning. Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 The island nation has the gorgeous beaches travelers are looking for, but also a warm culture, vibrant marine world and aquatic adventures such as surfing and scuba diving with manta rays. Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 24 July 2026 Its 33 beach villas are designed to look like traditional Maldivian fishing huts, and its 44 overwater villas like manta rays. Katie Lockhart, Robb Report, 16 July 2026 Dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles and massive schools of fish all make appearances. Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manta rays
rays
Noun
  • The Moon’s south pole harbors substantial quantities of water ice concentrated on the floors of craters away from the reach of sublimating rays of sunlight.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Quinn said after the game X-rays on Daniels’ elbow did not show a fracture.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Manta rays.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manta%20rays. Accessed 24 Sep. 2026.

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