1
2
as in glimmer
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 to shine
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 to radiate
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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ray
Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 23 July 2025
In addition to sunscreen, the right sun hat acts as a layer of protection from damaging ultraviolet rays — and adds a glamorous touch to even the most casual outfits.
—Rylee Johnston, People.com, 20 July 2025
The shorter cycling-specific bill keeps harmful rays out of your eyes yet doesn’t hinder visibility.
—Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Bright streaks known as ejecta rays can also be spotted leading away from large impact sites — such as the vast Tycho crater scarring the south lunar region — where reflective material was excavated and cast out across the lunar surface during particularly violent events.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for ray
Noun
Made from durable polypropylene, the low-pile, weatherproof rug is built to withstand intense UV rays and outdoor elements like rain or snow.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 23 July 2025
In addition to sunscreen, the right sun hat acts as a layer of protection from damaging ultraviolet rays — and adds a glamorous touch to even the most casual outfits.
—Rylee Johnston, People.com, 20 July 2025
The shorter cycling-specific bill keeps harmful rays out of your eyes yet doesn’t hinder visibility.
—Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Bright streaks known as ejecta rays can also be spotted leading away from large impact sites — such as the vast Tycho crater scarring the south lunar region — where reflective material was excavated and cast out across the lunar surface during particularly violent events.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for ray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ray
Noun
-
Inside was an open-plan kitchen, new bathrooms, exposed beams, a laundry room, floor-to-ceiling windows and a second-floor, street-facing balcony.—
Thomas Fuller,
New York Times,
24 July 2025
-
Palm trees act as a privacy buffer at the front of the double-gated home, while four rows of vertical wooden beams, presented to dramatic effect by golden uplighting, make a bold first impression from the driveway.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
23 July 2025
Noun
-
Despite the serious nature of the diagnosis, Ospreay offered a glimmer of hope.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 July 2025
-
In the past year, there was a little glimmer of recovery: Earnings were up about 22% on a 2.7% revenue increase.—
John Dorfman,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
Wilson shined with the first team, completing more than half his passes and racking up a handful of touchdowns.—
Kevin McCormick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 July 2025
-
Une Femme offers the perfect antidote for skeptics of buttery, oaked Chard, with just enough body to shine when paired with an acid-bomb green herby salad or ceviche.—
Oset Babür-Winter,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
24 July 2025
Verb
-
Nara's more recent paintings, such as Midnight Tears (2023), feature tender, fragmented brushwork that radiates introspection.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
-
Their vocal harmonies intertwine easily over a textured arrangement of keys, bass, drums, and guitars, creating an uplifting summer anthem that radiates sincerity and charm.—
Jessica Nicholson,
Billboard,
21 July 2025
Noun
-
Families love the waterfront splash pad, playground, and great lawn where kids can run around to their heart’s content.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
31 July 2025
-
Their biggest splash was trading for wide receiver Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers.—
Kevin McCormick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 July 2025
Verb
-
Head away from city lights around this time to hunt the glowing band of the Milky Way's core, which can be spotted during the summer months streaming towards the eastern horizon as dusk gives way to night in dark sky locations.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
2 Aug. 2025
-
The spectacle produces about three meteors per hour; look for its shooting stars near the Eridanus constellation, which hangs low in the southeast sky August’s full sturgeon moon will glow in the southeast skies on Aug. 9, with Saturn nearby to the east.—
Stephanie Vermillion,
Travel + Leisure,
1 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Additionally, the long sleeves, which are also a major part of the design, evoke a hint of tastefulness.—
Essence,
Essence,
1 Aug. 2025
-
That could potentially be a hint into the sophistication of the attack.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
1 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
To prevent the shreds from clumping, anti-caking agents like cellulose (a plant fiber made from wood pulp) and potato starch are often added, which can steal moisture from the cheese, affecting its texture.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
23 July 2025
-
Northwestern’s leadership chooses not to afford the members of its community a shred of respect.—
Luis A. Nunes Amaral,
Chicago Tribune,
24 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ray.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ray. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share