REED Synonyms: 18 Similar and Opposite Words

reed

noun

ˈrēd

Definition of reed

as in coward

a person without strength of character the congresswoman is but a reed who bends whichever way the political winds are blowing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 reed If earthy reed mats don't align with your taste, consider corrugated aluminum instead. — Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 23 June 2026 Disembarking in Berry’s Creek Canal required skulking through some swamp and reeds, commando style. — Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 16 June 2026 With candles, reed diffusers, and even elevated dryer sheets. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 11 June 2026 The pit band has the two keyboards, violin, reeds and brass that are customary for Broadway tours. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for reed

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reed

Noun

In reality, the refs just do the bidding of the cowards behind the curtain.

— Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 14 July 2026
That’s the sign of a true coward.

— Maria Bamford, Vulture, 23 June 2026

Definition of coward

Noun

Their arrival adds to a growing list of invasive marine species affecting the Atlantic, including jellyfish with painful stings, which were recently documented along the Jersey Shore.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 15 July 2026
People should also stay alert to local water conditions, including rip currents and the presence of other marine animals such as jellyfish.

— Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026

Definition of jellyfish

Noun

Small flies were seen above spice racks and 200 mouse droppings were found in various spots in the food preparation and office areas.

— Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026
Inside, the cathode ray tube and board are reproduced, and a keyboard and USB mouse are also included.

— Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of mouse

Noun

The species—which looks like a strange mix of a dog, zebra, and a kangaroo—was hunted to extinction, largely because European settlers blamed them for attacks on sheep, poultry, and other livestock.

— Taylor Dotson, Scientific American, 10 July 2026
Popular among outdoor enthusiasts and scenic travelers, the archipelago boasts seemingly endless roads and more sheep than human residents.

— Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026

Definition of sheep

Browse Nearby Words

reechos

reed

reedified

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Reed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reed. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of reed

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on reed

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

raffish

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes