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

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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 Look for ‘Karl Foerster’ feather reed grass—known for its tall, bright green leaves and buff-colored plumes that remain upright through most of the winter. Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2025 Rods and lures safely stowed, the paddling anglers head past the swampy banks and cast their lines through the reeds and lily pads. Wesley Bruer, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025 Tall, dense invasive common reeds were then able to move in and stifle native plants. Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025 Given that reeds can be seen as public infrastructure that can protect the entire coast, taxpayer funding is another option. Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reed
Noun
  • Just an utter coward folding to this embarrassing paper tiger administration.
    Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Oct. 2025
  • We are told that politics is for cowards, literary analysis is for women, education is a system of liberal indoctrination, brave individuals must resist the herd.
    Robert Rubsam, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Boissevain’s nature photography captures these in-transition landscapes in vivid hues and alien geometries, from close-ups of jellyfish-like crystal deposits to aerial shots of what scans like the surface of Mars.
    Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The production was plagued by hurricanes, tsunami warnings, stinging jellyfish and several injuries — including Costner, who almost died while riding out a storm stranded atop a mast after his safety line had snapped.
    Peter Kiefer, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Neither one was a doormat; neither one was a saint.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Last but not least, the home features the coziest front porch, complete with eye-catching front and side railings, that can be transformed into the perfect space for unwinding with outdoor furniture, a porch swing, a set of string lights, and a stylish doormat, of course.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Set aside your mouse and keyboard.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The team conducted their research by analyzing mouse models on high-fat diets.
    Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • About 1,746 people died, along with thousands of cattle, sheep, goats, chickens, dogs, and untold birds, antelope, and other wildlife.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The process typically lasts only a few minutes per sheep and is done at least once a year to prevent health complications such as overheating, flystrike, and restricted movement caused by excess wool growth.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reed. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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