1
2
as in glimmer
a very small amount
the tapping sound ceased, extinguishing the last ray of hope that the trapped miners were still alive
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to shine
to emit rays of light
klieg lights were raying against the nighttime sky at the Hollywood premiere
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to radiate
to extend outwards from or as if from a central point
laugh wrinkles rayed out from the corners of the old man's eyes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ray
Jessica Elliott, Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb. 2026
Finally, the western horizon needs to be perfectly clear at sunset to allow the sun’s rays to hit the cliff face.
—Owen Clarke, Outside, 18 Feb. 2026
Gareth J. Fraser, The Conversation, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ray
Noun
According to the company’s website, the product is resistant to water, snow, wind and fire, and designed to withstand hail, UV rays, strong rain, and extreme heat and cold.
—Jessica Elliott, Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb. 2026
Finally, the western horizon needs to be perfectly clear at sunset to allow the sun’s rays to hit the cliff face.
—Owen Clarke, Outside, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
That’s why countries around the world agreed in December 2025 to add more than 70 shark and ray species to an international wildlife trade treaty’s list for full or partial protection.
—Gareth J. Fraser, The Conversation, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ray
Noun
-
As the pulsar spins, these beams sweep across the cosmos like the beams of light from a lighthouse.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
21 Feb. 2026
-
By the time the beams meet, some of the crucial details may already be gone.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The bit of glimmer is echoed in subtle flecks on the dancers’ shimmery white unitards.—
Lauren Warnecke,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Feb. 2026
-
The novel is famously austere, with mere glimmers of physical intimacy.—
Emily Zemler,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Massie’s comments shined a new spotlight on Les Wexner, the former owner of Victoria’s Secret, who is one of the most mysterious figures in Epstein’s orbit – a key player in helping the financier’s rise to extreme wealth, whose motivations and ties to Epstein have long been a source of speculation.—
Curt Devine,
CNN Money,
18 Feb. 2026
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Their commitment to entrepreneurship in service of community reflects FIT’s own core values and is a shining example for our students and beyond.—
Kimberly Nordyke,
HollywoodReporter,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Olive Nwosu's debut feature radiates a restless, pulsing energy — both through the thrum of Lagos and the courage of its women.—
Teresa Xie,
NPR,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Air isn't as efficient as water or steam for storing and radiating heat.—
Lee Wallender,
The Spruce,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Among the amenities at this all-inclusive resort are 13 pools, including a splash pool for kids; a kids club and teen space; daily activities at the main pool; and nightly entertainment.—
Beth Luberecki,
USA Today,
21 Feb. 2026
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Reheat the pasta gently and stir in a splash of pasta water at a time until the sauce loosens and regains its creamy texture.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Outdoors, a long communal dining table sits in the courtyard beneath glowing string lights, right next to the koi pond.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Feb. 2026
-
The same pressure that consumed Glenn and teammate Ilia Malinin could not even touch Liu’s glowing aura.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Tiny beads of blood had seeped out and dried into tiny specks.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Here indeed was a dense speck of wilderness under preserve.—
John Bowe,
Travel + Leisure,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Fans are buzzing about an Act III album release date, every potential hint will be fully examined—and that includes her nails!—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
17 Feb. 2026
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Their hardware not only adds a hint of shine to the monochromatic outfit but also keeps the outfit fresh and unexpected.—
Shelby Comroe,
InStyle,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ray. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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