reed

noun

ˈrēd How to pronounce reed (audio)
Definition of reednext
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

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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 For centuries, this was a world of reeds, sedge, eels, wildfowl, mist, and danger. — Rob Crossan, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 July 2026 Anchoring the reeds and holding down the baritone sax chair defined with soulful panache by Harry Carney for nearly five decades is Kamrin Ortiz. — Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 7 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for reed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reed
  1. coward
  2. jellyfish
  3. doormat
  4. mouse
  5. sheep
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
  • Marc Brandes discovered freshwater jellyfish in the east pond at Freedom Park in Star.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 22 July 2026
  • Next up is the Open Sea exhibit, where Pacific mackerel circle and meticulously illuminated jellyfish pulsate.
    — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 20 July 2026
Definition of jellyfish
Noun
  • Stop Dirt In Its Tracks Add a doormat at the front door so that your family and guests will stop tracking in the dirt.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 2 July 2026
  • According to Hackett, a standard-sized doormat isn't the best option for most entryways.
    — Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 26 June 2026
Definition of doormat
Noun
  • The flashbacks deliver some classic cat-and-mouse conspiracy-thriller action, as these two try to figure out who’s on their tail.
    — Noel Murray, Vulture, 24 July 2026
  • Sky Rocket fires riders from 0 to 50 mph in under three seconds into a vertical top‑hat and three inversions, while Exterminator hides indoors as a spinning wild mouse in the dark.
    — Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 22 July 2026
Definition of mouse
Noun
  • In this peaceful spot, there’s nothing to hear but cowbells, baa-ing sheep and the breeze.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 July 2026
  • Additional buildings include an equipment barn, cattle and alpaca barns, a chicken coop, and another barn for goats and sheep.
    — Mark David, Robb Report, 27 July 2026
Definition of sheep

Browse Nearby Words

reechos
reed
reedified
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reed. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on reed

Nglish: Translation of reed for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reed

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