variants
also proboscides
as in snouts
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
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Recent Examples of proboscises
The brain bug's intrinsic ick factor is undeniably high, but using their proboscises to suck thoughts directly from the brains of their unfortunate victims is a pretty neat party trick.
—
Richard Edwards, Space.com, 2 Apr. 2026
Their long proboscises, like divining rods, gently make inquiries of the stone.
—Literary Hub, 23 Feb. 2026
Richard Edwards, Space.com, 2 Apr. 2026
Their long proboscises, like divining rods, gently make inquiries of the stone.
—Literary Hub, 23 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proboscises
Noun
-
Many hot weather dogs have longer snouts.—
Madeline Gunderson,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
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Those strolling around downtown Dallas this weekend might have noticed more tails, claws and snouts than usual.—
Jessica Ma,
Dallas Morning News,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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If not for the enormous backlash—which included a conference lawsuit and threats of a boycott by other schools—the Red Raiders would have happily held their noses and competed for the national championship that eluded them last year.—
Jemele Hill,
The Atlantic,
19 June 2026
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Although the scent of mint is deeply appealing to most human noses, many pests don’t like the smell or taste of mint – including slugs and snails.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
18 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Proboscises.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proboscises. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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