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
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Recent Examples of rays
CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
In the wild, turtles spend a great deal of time basking in direct sunlight and absorbing its UVB rays.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
Because Earth's atmosphere blocks X-rays, Chandra operates in space in a highly elliptical Earth orbit, enabling long, uninterrupted observations above our planet's radiation belts.
—Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Some look like squiggles, zigzaggy lightning bolts or sun rays, but the wonder, marveled Hammel-Sawyer, is how the makers were able to do the mental math to keep the patterns even and consistent, even for baskets that were basically everyday tools.
—Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
The remains showed no obvious signs of trauma or injury; X-rays revealed no objects or projectiles.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 8 Jan. 2026
The sun's rays dance across the rooftops of a city defined by its historic university and which has, without forgetting its rich past, embraced modernity.
—Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2026
Carrots' pigments can help give you a healthy glow and protect against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
—Barbie Cervoni, Verywell Health, 7 Nov. 2025
Japanese maples do best when sheltered from wind and the hottest rays of the afternoon sun.
—Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
Her body, in a sense, the crime scene and her brain scans, blood work and X-rays are discussed in open court.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for rays
Noun
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Palisades Village displayed three beams of light rising from the property on Wednesday to mark the one-year anniversary of the devastating wildfires across Los Angeles County — and to honor the victims and survivors in the Pacific Palisades, Altadena and Malibu communities.—
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Their family property has sat empty for years — the horse corral's beams are broken and its roof caved in, the garage tilts, and the house needs extensive repairs.—
Noun
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From there, the glimmers of a more peaceful existence — one fueled by expression, not recklessness — give Lidia hope.—
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This year, there were glimmers of affordability, with some states like Florida, Texas, and California seeing average home prices decline in 2025 from their peaks.—
Verb
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In the classroom, Karter shines brightest in science and enjoys hands-on experiments.—
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Countries also need to work on better connecting intermittent renewables — those which work only when the sun shines or the wind blows — with batteries that can store their energy.—
Verb
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Ethereally beautiful, with platinum hair, Fastvold radiates calm, a complement to Seyfried’s quicksilver curiosity, though both women have about them an inspiring clarity.—
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When a fire begins in a room without ventilation, the heat radiates downward, eventually engulfing all combustible items in its path, causing a flashover, per NFPA.—
Noun
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Designed for high-performance durability, the IP65 water-resistant frames are crafted from lightweight TR90 material, ensuring a pressure-free fit that can withstand sweat and splashes.—
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Stanley 12-Ounce Stay-Hot Camp Mug A secure, press-to-fit lid ensures that this mug locks in your drink’s temperature and prevents splashes simultaneously.—
Verb
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On dark nights, the rim of the crater glows orange.—
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Inside, light from shaded lamps and sconces glows amber-soft.—
Verb
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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
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Microcalcifications appear as white specks and may indicate cancer in some cases.—
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There were also no visible specks of spices.—
Cite this Entry
“Rays.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rays. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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