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 All the most gasp-inspiring moments of visual awe — such as Moana soaring across the sea as a manta ray spirit swims underneath her — are just a little stronger, a little bolder and brighter, in their original art form. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 8 July 2026 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 Swimming alongside oceanic manta rays and watching dolphins race beside the boat left a lasting impression, but so did the lifestyle itself. — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026 After dark, visitors may even spot manta rays gliding through the water. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for manta ray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manta ray
  1. ray
  2. sea devil
  3. manta
Noun
  • Born out of California, Sun Bum has built its reputation on protecting both the skin and hair from UV rays, and this leave-in conditioner is one of its bestselling products.
    — Nadine Solano, Vogue, 24 July 2026
  • The temperature has long been too cold for sandals and shorts; the blustery autumn wind is no substitute for cosy rays of summer sun.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 24 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
  • Divers captured video footage of Galápagos sharks approaching manta rays and deliberately rubbing parts of their bodies, especially their heads, gill regions and sides, against the mantas’ undersides.
    — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • 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
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 1 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on manta ray

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about manta ray

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