Definition of naiadnext
1
as in nymph
a mythical goddess represented as a young girl and said to live outdoors in Greek mythology, naiads supposedly drowned the young men with whom they became enamored

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2
as in larva
a young wingless often wormlike form (as a grub or caterpillar) that hatches from the egg of many insects students in science class learning how to distinguish a dragonfly naiad from an earthworm

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 naiad Today, the naiads frolic in water that is periodically drained for cleaning and maintenance. — David Laskin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2024 Leighton set his youthful figure — a classical nymph or naiad — in a Mediterranean setting. — Washington Post, 12 Oct. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for naiad
Noun
  • Hung in the den, where King pores over his many books, is a circa 1890 Henri-Fantin Latour canvas of three nymphs.
    — Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Live roaches were discovered behind the cove base under the hand sink and nymphs at the display cooler next to the meat prep entrance.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Once the tarantula has been consumed, the larva spins a cocoon and pupates into a mature wasp in two to three weeks.
    — Sean Donnelly, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Most individuals in each group begin life as a free-swimming trochophore larva.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Modern Mermaid The fit and flare look got a voluminous update, with designers including Justin Alexander Signature, Elie Saab, Kyha Vivienne Westwood and more adding drama to the traditional mermaid wedding dress silhouette.
    — Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Dramatic mermaid skirts, bubble tiers, and layers strengthened with horsehair and crinoline are all trending in the year ahead.
    — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • In Ovid’s version of the story, after cutting down a sacred oak, Erysichthon is cursed with insatiable hunger by the dryad nymph who inhabited it.
    — Ellen Walker, JSTOR Daily, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Having regained his health, Geralt heads off with Jaskier and the dryad Milva to find Ciri, following a little skirmish with some power-mad guards.
    — Nick Romano, EW.com, 27 July 2023

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Cite this Entry

“Naiad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/naiad. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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