as in rays
any of several extremely large rays
a manta glided along the sea bottom
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 mantas
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
The mantas are still spotted in May and October, but in fewer numbers.
—Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 5 Oct. 2025
Also in the Tuamotus, on the atoll of Tikehau, divers head out to Tuheiava Pass with Tikehau Diving for regular sightings of mantas at a cleaning station (pinnacles that draw large fish to have their gills, teeth, and carapaces cleaned by smaller ones).
—Terry Ward, AFAR Media, 11 Sep. 2025
Divers can expect to explore underwater cliffs and walls teeming with mantas, tuna, and various species of sharks.
—Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 June 2025
Jonny Bierman, Time, 12 Mar. 2026
The mantas are still spotted in May and October, but in fewer numbers.
—Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 5 Oct. 2025
Also in the Tuamotus, on the atoll of Tikehau, divers head out to Tuheiava Pass with Tikehau Diving for regular sightings of mantas at a cleaning station (pinnacles that draw large fish to have their gills, teeth, and carapaces cleaned by smaller ones).
—Terry Ward, AFAR Media, 11 Sep. 2025
Divers can expect to explore underwater cliffs and walls teeming with mantas, tuna, and various species of sharks.
—Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 June 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mantas
rays
Noun
-
Choose from bucket, visor, wide-brim and cap styles, all with advanced sun protection with a UPF 50 rating, blocking 98% of harmful UV rays.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
9 Apr. 2026
-
The charter boat made a point of not interfere with the rays, Davisson said.—
Mark Price,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mantas.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mantas. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
