manta ray

noun

Definition of manta raynext
as in ray
any of several extremely large rays the manta ray blended in beautifully with the sandy ocean floor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 manta ray Residents at the nearby Points of America condo building recall how their ocean views included manta rays, dolphins and unobscured sun rises over the Atlantic. — Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 28 June 2026 From a biodiversity standpoint, due to the warm waters, Kenya has everything from beautiful nudibranchs (colorful small creatures) to enormous whale sharks and manta rays, with everything in-between. — Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026 From July to October, spot whale sharks and manta rays flocking by the hundreds, or save your trip for November through April to enjoy its dry season, with minimal rainfall, abundant sunshine (eight hours of sun per days’ worth), and high visibility for divers. — Skyli Alvarez, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 May 2026 The Butcher’s Feast is more than enough for a full meal, but there are other treasures, too, like a beef-noodle soup built on a spectacularly rich, slightly offal-ish broth made with marrow bones, with paper-thin slices of A5-Wagyu rib eye swimming in it like manta rays. — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 24 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for manta ray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manta ray
  1. ray
  2. sea devil
  3. manta
Noun
  • Think of it as skincare in disguise, locking in at least 12 hours of moisture while shielding you from harmful UV rays.
    — Tanya Sharma, InStyle, 4 July 2026
  • And because the Southern Hemisphere gets closer to the sun, those UV rays feel hotter and harsher than ever.
    — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2026
Definition of ray
Noun
  • Among certain species of anglerfish, like those in the sea devil (Ceratiidae) family, males are little more than sperm sacs with nostrils.
    — Katherine J. Wu, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Feb. 2020
Definition of sea devil
Noun
  • The resident Manta Trust team has catalogued 150 individual rays and uses the world's first underwater contactless ultrasound scanner to check on pregnant mantas, while the Olive Ridley Project leads turtle research across Laamu Atoll.
    — Jonny Bierman, Time, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Watching a documentary about mantas, reef sharks, or this area is one thing.
    — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 1 Mar. 2026
Definition of manta

Browse Nearby Words

manta
manta ray
manta rays
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Cite this Entry

“Manta ray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manta%20ray. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on manta ray

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about manta ray

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