1
2
as in glimmers
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 shines
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 radiates
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 rays
Big Think, 11 Feb. 2026
The light measurements revealed that these markers emit light in wavelengths that stand out against the surrounding environment when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays.
—New Atlas, 10 Feb. 2026
Auroras can come in various forms, including bands, rays, patches and more.
—Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 8 Feb. 2026
Ensure your satin pothos is positioned in a location that receives lots of indirect light but is protected from the sun’s direct rays, particularly in the afternoon when the sun is the most intense.
—Cori Sears, The Spruce, 7 Feb. 2026
The lightweight, non-sticky formula leaves behind a subtle gloss while protecting lips from both UVA and UVB rays.
—Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2026
The center is engraved in a pattern of undulating rays emanating from the hour and minute guichets (windows), meant to resemble the edges of clouds pierced through with sunlight.
—Carol Besler, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026
Unlike ionizing radiation, such as that released by medical X-rays, nonionizing radiation isn’t known to damage DNA or cells.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 5 Feb. 2026
Investigators put Melinda's dental records and old X-rays, as well as DNA from family members, in a database, Callahan said.
—Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
Second, there are the dual searchlight-like rays emerging from both sides of this nebula.
—Big Think, 11 Feb. 2026
The light measurements revealed that these markers emit light in wavelengths that stand out against the surrounding environment when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays.
—New Atlas, 10 Feb. 2026
Auroras can come in various forms, including bands, rays, patches and more.
—Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 8 Feb. 2026
Ensure your satin pothos is positioned in a location that receives lots of indirect light but is protected from the sun’s direct rays, particularly in the afternoon when the sun is the most intense.
—Cori Sears, The Spruce, 7 Feb. 2026
The lightweight, non-sticky formula leaves behind a subtle gloss while protecting lips from both UVA and UVB rays.
—Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2026
The center is engraved in a pattern of undulating rays emanating from the hour and minute guichets (windows), meant to resemble the edges of clouds pierced through with sunlight.
—Carol Besler, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026
Unlike ionizing radiation, such as that released by medical X-rays, nonionizing radiation isn’t known to damage DNA or cells.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 5 Feb. 2026
Investigators put Melinda's dental records and old X-rays, as well as DNA from family members, in a database, Callahan said.
—Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 5 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rays
Noun
-
The Egg Nebula, so-named for its yolk (the star) surrounded by egg white (clouds of dust and gas), is extraordinarily dynamic, with twin beams of light punching through a series of rippling arcs.—
Stefanie Waldek,
Space.com,
11 Feb. 2026
-
After closing a section of I-94 in both directions on Friday night, crews planning to set beams for the new bridge scrapped the operation the next morning and had the interstate reopened by about noon on Saturday, more than 24 hours ahead of schedule.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In non-theme park play, the game revolves around Illumineers, glimmers, inklands, a lorebook and other buzzwords and actions that are important to players.—
Dewayne Bevil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 Jan. 2026
-
There’s still a long way to go to restore his status as a promising prospect, but there have been glimmers of hope the last couple weeks.—
Vincent Z. Mercogliano,
New York Times,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
With its prime Hudson River setting, the restaurant shines in every season – from fireside dining in winter to a vibrant garden and greenhouse in spring and summer, capped off by fall’s spectacular foliage.—
USA TODAY NETWORK,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
-
One area where the Treasure truly shines is in its onboard cocktail lounges and bars.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The bright and sweet Buckaroo radiates sincerity.—
David Glickman,
Pitchfork,
13 Feb. 2026
-
The lobby radiates the personality, warmth, and candor of a Swiss bank.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The stone mat wraps around the faucet and acts as a splash guard, absorbing splashes and spills around the area.—
Jamie Weissman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The look incorporates Jackson Pollock-esque splashes of orange and royal blue, a departure from last season’s navy-and-white color palette.—
Ryan Finley,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Each packs several pieces of shrimp in a thick, chewy wheat-starch wrapper that glows almost silvery under the light.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Feb. 2026
-
The bill was able to move forward after Castillo agreed to a carve-out for GloFish, a type of fish that glows due to the insertion of Green Flourescent Protein (GFP) into its DNA.—
Kate Wolffe,
Sacbee.com,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
His demise, paired with the disappearance of mobster-type Nicky Caccimelio (Bobby Cannavale), sets the trio on the first phase of their adventures, which inevitably branches into fresh red herrings in customary Only Murders fashion.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Tiny beads of blood had seeped out and dried into tiny specks.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Also known as sunspots, solar lentigines, or liver spots, age spots are additional specks and bits of pigment caused by excessive sun exposure.—
Essence,
Essence,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rays.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rays. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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