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 Farah Hamdan is the resident manta ray and marine ecologist, and Emily Hoad is the assistant project manager in the Raa Atoll. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026 Dolphins, dugongs, several species of sharks, and manta rays measuring up to 10 feet across also inhabit the park’s waters. — Sarah Bruning, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 2026 The film also traces Kennedy’s redemption from a troubled past that included the Hells Angels and time in prison, while highlighting the growing threats facing manta rays and the urgency of protecting them. — Maya Santiago, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026 Silky sharks have also been observed scraping against manta rays near Malpelo Island off Colombia. — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for manta ray
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manta ray
  1. ray
  2. sea devil
  3. manta
Noun
  • Tycho Crater is visible in the lower region of the lunar disk close to the shadow, while bright ejecta rays of reflective material brighten the darker lunar seas, where lava solidified to form basaltic plains billions of years ago.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The researchers also used X-rays at SLAC’s Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource to track what was happening inside the electrolyte.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 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
  • From roughly October through March, higher concentrations of plankton can attract larger groups of mantas but make the water cloudier.
    — Sarah Bruning, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The water was sparkly and glittery thanks to the bright sunrays shining through, and one manta even flipped out of the ocean right in front of me.
    — Annie Daly, Vogue, 11 Aug. 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on manta ray

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about manta ray

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