rays 1 of 2

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

Relevance
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
The Moon was doing something that the Sun wasn’t — emitting gamma-rays — implying that, somehow, the Moon was doing a whole lot more than just reflecting sunlight. Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 4 Sep. 2025 Without it, those high-energy solar rays can cause painful sunburns at best, while longterm exposure dramatically increases the likelihood of skin cancers. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 4 Sep. 2025 In addition to these ingredients, the lipstick also has SPF 10 in it, which provides gentle protection from harmful UV rays. Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2025 That interaction produces glowing arcs and rays of green and red light. Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025 However, this investigation of Calvera shows that the mechanism that launches gamma-rays from supernovas can also occur in low-density conditions such as those found at the outskirts of the Milky Way. Robert Lea, Space.com, 2 Sep. 2025 Bouton was finally given the green light after a round of tests and X-rays in February confirmed the improved condition of her spine and an MRI revealed less cerebral fluid near her spine. Dave Melton, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025 These rays penetrate deep into the skin and damage collagen. Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rays
Noun
  • White oak flooring, cabinetry, and beams are paired with soft blues, neutrals, and touches of pink, including on the front door.
    Lennie Omalza, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Ultimately, at over 100 kilonewtons of force, the structure groaned under the force before one of the beams finally gave away in an intentional collapse that provided critical data for the study.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • To enhance the interior design, Cleopatra’s jewelry informed the use of high-contrast black and white, accented with emeralds and splashes of Roman red in the bedrooms and bathrooms.
    Melinda Sheckells, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
  • After paddling along the ground, the TikTok video then shows Gus leaping around in the water and making plenty of splashes.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The new star shines because its surface is hot, but the energy fueling that luminosity percolates up from its core.
    Luke Keller, Space.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Below, a white light shines out from behind the casket.
    Ruth Sherlock, NPR, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Just as Queenz Eye’s fashion choices embrace contrast and individuality, their music radiates the same spirit of boldness and diversity.
    Footwear News, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2025
  • On the outside, Jin Yul radiates a chic and reserved energy.
    Sara Smith, Variety, 27 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • There were glimmers of the magnificent past at the 2024 French Open against Iga Swiatek when Osaka won the second set 6-1 and was within a point of going 5-1 up in the decider.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Servillo is such a sly actor, and the director showcases his deadpan performance with such slow-build curiosity, that the film is always cueing us to read his mind, to see the glimmers of thought and soul behind the façade.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • At the absolute highest energies, the Moon glows with a light all its own, powered by nuclear recoils, and irrespective of any light, or anything at all, emitted by the Sun.
    Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Its Hungarian Parliament glows at twilight—mirrored in the river’s slow current—while layered history lingers in its bullet-scarred walls.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Silvery or mottled patches on leaves, brown or distorted petal edges, dark specks (feces) or flower buds that fail to open are signs of thrips.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2025
  • In the show’s premiere episode, Knox arrives home after a night spent at Raffaele’s to find her front door open, specks of blood on the sink and a bloody bathroom mat.
    Nicole Briese, People.com, 23 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Mix it all up — tailored sober jackets with shimmery eveningwear fabrics; menswear silhouettes with classically feminine touches and treatments all blended together; retro and futurism.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025
  • White oak flooring, cabinetry, and beams are paired with soft blues, neutrals, and touches of pink, including on the front door.
    Lennie Omalza, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rays.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rays. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on rays

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!