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 Tiny, microscopic plankton grow, feeding larger plankton that are eaten by many species, including fish and manta rays. — Lauren Sommer, NPR, 13 Oct. 2026 This year, Chinese researchers unveiled a robotic manta ray powered by muscle taken from a frog and steered with light. — New Atlas, 3 Oct. 2026 Nusa Lembongan, the neighboring island connected by the landmark 450-foot-long Yellow Bridge, is where scuba divers seek encounters with manta rays and whales, and snorkeling enthusiasts can spend hours floating above vibrant coral reefs. — Norm Bour, Travel + Leisure, 1 Sep. 2026 The film also traces Kennedy’s redemption from a troubled past that included the Hells Angels and time in prison, while highlighting the growing threats facing manta rays and the urgency of protecting them. — Maya Santiago, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for manta ray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manta ray
  1. ray
  2. sea devil
  3. manta
Noun
  • Dermatologists recommend using an SPF of at least 30, which ensures that the sunscreen filters out 97% of UVB rays—and not just when the sun is out.
    — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
  • These jets collide with cosmic gas, which generates afterglows seen across visible light, radio waves, and X-rays.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 29 Oct. 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
  • From roughly October through March, higher concentrations of plankton can attract larger groups of mantas but make the water cloudier.
    — Sarah Bruning, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The water was sparkly and glittery thanks to the bright sunrays shining through, and one manta even flipped out of the ocean right in front of me.
    — Annie Daly, Vogue, 11 Aug. 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 30 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on manta ray

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about manta ray

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