1
2
as in glimmers
a very small amount
the tapping sound ceased, extinguishing the last ray of hope that the trapped miners were still alive
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in shines
to emit rays of light
klieg lights were raying against the nighttime sky at the Hollywood premiere
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in radiates
to extend outwards from or as if from a central point
laugh wrinkles rayed out from the corners of the old man's eyes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of rays
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
2 July 2026
The content creator said her daughter underwent numerous X-rays, ultrasounds and a biopsy before the hospital team determined the cancer diagnosis.
—
Alexandra Del Rosario,
Los Angeles Times,
2 July 2026
The intense burst of X-rays released during the eruption reached Earth in just over 8 minutes, triggering strong (R3) radio blackouts across the daylight side of Earth.
—
Daisy Dobrijevic,
Space.com,
1 July 2026
The strongest evidence shows up on X-rays, which confirm the correlation with osteoporosis far more consistently than clinical exams alone.
—
Caitlin Kiernan,
Flow Space,
30 June 2026
Morning sun followed by afternoon shade generally is easier on plants than the reverse, which exposes them to the more intense afternoon rays.
—
Luke Miller,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 June 2026
The chairs are crafted from weather-resistant PE rattan and powder-coated steel that stand up to harsh UV rays, rain, and other outdoor elements.
—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
23 June 2026
The fee for copies of X-rays will increase from $55 to $60.
—
Daniel Lempres,
Sacbee.com,
23 June 2026
The unexpected design adds instant intrigue to the space while still serving the functional role of offering a cool respite from the sun's blazing rays.
—
Wendy Rose Gould,
Martha Stewart,
23 June 2026
Melissa Cristina Márquez,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2026
Noun
About 11,000 light-years away from Earth, the supernova Cassiopeia A’s X-rays (seen above) are rendered in blue and purple, while infrared wavelengths are shown in red and white using data from JWST.
—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
2 July 2026
The content creator said her daughter underwent numerous X-rays, ultrasounds and a biopsy before the hospital team determined the cancer diagnosis.
—
Alexandra Del Rosario,
Los Angeles Times,
2 July 2026
The intense burst of X-rays released during the eruption reached Earth in just over 8 minutes, triggering strong (R3) radio blackouts across the daylight side of Earth.
—
Daisy Dobrijevic,
Space.com,
1 July 2026
The strongest evidence shows up on X-rays, which confirm the correlation with osteoporosis far more consistently than clinical exams alone.
—
Caitlin Kiernan,
Flow Space,
30 June 2026
Morning sun followed by afternoon shade generally is easier on plants than the reverse, which exposes them to the more intense afternoon rays.
—
Luke Miller,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 June 2026
The chairs are crafted from weather-resistant PE rattan and powder-coated steel that stand up to harsh UV rays, rain, and other outdoor elements.
—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
23 June 2026
The fee for copies of X-rays will increase from $55 to $60.
—
Daniel Lempres,
Sacbee.com,
23 June 2026
The unexpected design adds instant intrigue to the space while still serving the functional role of offering a cool respite from the sun's blazing rays.
—
Wendy Rose Gould,
Martha Stewart,
23 June 2026
Verb
Scientists have long grouped sharks together as a natural evolutionary unit, meaning every shark species shares a common ancestor that rays and skates do not.
—
Melissa Cristina Márquez,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rays
Noun
-
In the evening, the Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks show will draw thousands of eyes upward as 85,000 shells are launched from six barges and a laser show beams up from the Brooklyn Bridge.
-
The filmmakers cut freely and rapidly among the duo’s poses, their stumbles, their fears, their tightrope walks across precarious beams in the sky.
Noun
-
Despite a few glimmers of good feeling, today's fierce political divisions have redefined a milestone that has often been marked by unity and optimism, at least for a moment.
-
There are glimmers in her eyes, pleasant memories quietly unfurling.
Verb
-
The gigantic star cluster inside the nebula NGC 3603 (about 20,000 light-years away) shines in a second image.
-
The sun shines on the rocks, which heats them and warms nearby waters.
Verb
-
Her high ponytail worn to Wimbledon, however, feels like a playful departure—one that radiates serious Sporty Spice vibes without sacrificing an ounce of royal polish.
-
This way, the whole surface area of each droplet radiates away heat.
Noun
-
Many of the paintings include a portrait of a Pullman porter or a maid surrounded by splashes of color and fragments of archival documents — newspaper clippings, timesheets, employee records.
-
It’s even made from a water-resistant fabric to protect your gear from unexpected splashes or spills, keeping everything safe on the go.
Verb
-
Pink and green airbrushing glows against chrome cutouts, 3D decals, and sparkling gemstones.
-
The speakeasy-style room glows with a gold-leaf ceiling, ochre velvet sofas, and an extravagant cocktail menu.
Verb
-
His demise, paired with the disappearance of mobster-type Nicky Caccimelio (Bobby Cannavale), sets the trio on the first phase of their adventures, which inevitably branches into fresh red herrings in customary Only Murders fashion.
Noun
-
One released a chaff cascade—hell’s own monsoon manifesting as specks of light, sound, and EM pulses falling through the hanging garden.
-
Kansas City isn't much of a pedestrian city, but now, blue and green specks of fans dot the sidewalks, like wildflowers poking through a crack in the pavement.
Cite this Entry
“Rays.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rays. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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