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
Hannah Coates, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2026
The place Where the ray hits may be anywhere.
—Patricia Lockwood, The New York Review of Books, 5 Mar. 2026
Gareth J. Fraser, The Conversation, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ray
Noun
Aveda’s mist is composed of potent plant extracts and utilises natural UV filters that form a light shield around the strands to block out harmful rays.
—Hannah Coates, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2026
The place Where the ray hits may be anywhere.
—Patricia Lockwood, The New York Review of Books, 5 Mar. 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
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To accomplish this, the researchers used a technique called reactive molecular beam epitaxy (MBE).—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Today, accommodations include casita rooms, suites, and a ranch house, outfitted with tile floors, exposed wood beams, and private in-room fireplaces.—
Molly Allen,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The possibility of playing sports, an idea presented to him during rehab, provided a glimmer of hope.—
Nicole Acevedo,
NBC news,
7 Mar. 2026
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The audience gets glimmers of Katie and Greg’s relationship, but the show is bogged down by dull characters like the policeman who seems to have it out for Greg, and even by its focus on Archie’s point of view, which is just a depiction of narcissism and a formulaic pseudo-midlife crisis.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Dan shone his flashlight in the crags of a rock wall, and the antennae of hundreds of spiny lobsters waved in its beam.—
Betsy Andrews,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Mar. 2026
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Nettspend’s music shines in its experimental corners, where the chaos briefly resolves into something more intentional.—
Jeff Ihaza,
Rolling Stone,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Hearts radiated from her headpiece to her hem, with a single heart placed near her pelvis.—
Anika Burgess,
New Yorker,
7 Mar. 2026
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Meanwhile, Kidman radiated in a double-breasted suit dress with a completely sheer shredded ballgown skirt.—
Christina Perrier,
InStyle,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Or, add a downspout splash block or a longer downspout hose to direct water away from your home's foundation.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
7 Mar. 2026
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The best part of the whole look is the splash of green from the flag patch.—
Johnny Flores Jr,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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And so begins our journey, out from the Green Monster and onto the glowing screen.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
12 Mar. 2026
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In a period defined by constant notifications and glowing screens, the bedroom is increasingly being redesigned as a space for intentional disconnection.—
Jacorey Moon,
Architectural Digest,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
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As for the killings of his wife and in-laws, Zeigler’s lawyers contend the real killer would have blood spatter on their clothes, which Zeigler did not save for two specks of Perry Edwards’ blood on his shoes.—
Cristóbal Reyes,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 Mar. 2026
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The specks of warmth salvaged from the inside of the patrol car, which had clung to his skin under his gray sweatpants and hooded striped sweatshirt, soon fell away.—
USA Today,
USA Today,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
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There are some hints that along with the switch to colder weather, there could be some light snow.—
Cutter Martin,
CBS News,
10 Mar. 2026
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Stout is a full-bodied ale that lends toasty depth and hints of malt and hops to the broth.—
Lynda Balslev,
Mercury News,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ray. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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