rays 1 of 2

Definition of raysnext
plural of ray
1
as in beams
a narrow sharply defined line of light radiating from an object two red eyes reflected in the ray of light from the flashlight

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2

rays

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of ray

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 rays
Noun
Patients can get an oral exam, X-rays, dentures, root canals, and more. Todd Feurer, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026 Bright streaks known as ejecta rays can be seen streaking away from young impact craters in Odendahl's photo, whose existence testifies to the incredible force unleashed in their creation. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 4 Mar. 2026 Adigun is dedicated to raising public awareness about skin cancer and the harmful effects of UV rays, focusing on both medical and cosmetic implications. ABC News, 3 Mar. 2026 Seen at Loewe, Tory Burch, and Saint Laurent, shield sunglasses are meant to arm you from the (still elusive) sun’s rays with an impossible aura of cool. Talia Abbas, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2026 Patrick was briefly removed for chest X-rays, which, as expected for a premature infant, revealed a haziness in the lungs. Steven Levingston, Vanity Fair, 23 Feb. 2026 However, the falloff slowed substantially last year when sales of DVDs, Blu-rays and 4K Ultra HD declined just 9%, according to the trade association Digital Entertainment Group. Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026 Other kinds of electromagnetic waves include heat, light and X-rays. Shreyas Sen, The Conversation, 23 Feb. 2026 The details With an eastern exposure that allowed plants to enjoy full morning sun without suffering from intense afternoon rays, Chambers could build a collection of plants that would thrive. Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rays
Noun
  • The beams would be far brighter than the full moon and, even if carefully pointed, would scatter in the atmosphere to be very bright off-beam, disrupting wildlife and effectively destroying the sky’s remaining natural beauty by erasing the stars from our sight.
    Phil Plait, Scientific American, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Named after Austrian engineer Josef Melan, the design, which allowed for faster construction, incorporated arched steel beams supporting concrete arches that supported the bridge’s structure.
    IndyStar, IndyStar, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • The sun and light glimmers and shines off this material and the entire interior looks, and feels, slick like a black lacquer has been applied throughout.
    Joel Feder, The Drive, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • This classic loafer shines with its chic metallic details and timeless supple black leather.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2026
  • As a composer and band leader, Wilkins shines with his soulful delivery, keen attention to detail and his willingness to stretch out in search of creative transcendence.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Godoy radiates effortless charisma, a kind of uncynical openness that feels both childlike and magnetic.
    Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Red thread radiates from Stalin’s eyes like light from a malevolent sun, while other faces disappear behind horizontal bars of stitching, imprisoned by embroidery.
    Anel Rakhimzhanova, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • It’s built for extremes with IP68 waterproofing and 5x saltwater resistance, ensuring sea splashes or sweat won't stop its 50W of powerful audio.
    Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Lightweight cottons and linens feel airy and relaxed, while washable blends are practical in a space consistently exposed to cooking splatter, splashes, and humidity.
    Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 27 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Soft light glows over a dining room that seats roughly 40.
    Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2026
  • Green fluorescent protein, first isolated from a jellyfish, glows bright green when under a blue light.
    Marc Zimmer, The Conversation, 24 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
  • Subjects are often, to the naked eye, tiny specks of light surrounded by darkness.
    Tantse Walter, Space.com, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Tiny beads of blood had seeped out and dried into tiny specks.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Rays.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rays. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

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