as in snout
the part of the face bearing the nostrils and nasal cavity if there were a direct relation between mendacity and the length of one's proboscis, hers would be a mile long

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 proboscis However, its blood-sucking attempts are thwarted because its proboscis — aka its needle-like mouth — could not break through the skin. Abby Monteil, Them, 8 Oct. 2024 These stimuli triggered the brain to activate the motor neurons that in a real fly would move its proboscis, the insect equivalent of a tongue. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Oct. 2024 These segmented worms—which can grow from about half an inch to 8 inches in length and sometimes stretch to 17 inches—insert their proboscis into their host’s skin to suck its blood. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 June 2024 The species stands out from others by the black tip on the proboscis, a part of the worm that is twice as long as the collar, researchers said. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 4 June 2024 See All Example Sentences for proboscis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proboscis
Noun
  • The blanket was wrapped around his entire body, covering his ears and tied under his snout.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
  • Printed in green foil, the back of each card features an elaborate design incorporating four alligators, all of them touching snouts in the center.
    Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Symptoms of measles include a fever, rash, cough, fatigue, runny nose and red eyes.
    Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
  • Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis and rash, according to the Arkansas Health Department.
    Amir Mahmoud, Arkansas Online, 9 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Proboscis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proboscis. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on proboscis

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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