as in ray
any of several extremely large rays a manta glided along the sea bottom

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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 Why mantas and related rays have such long tails has long been a mystery. Jack Tamisiea, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025 And although stingray tails have a fearsome reputation for deadly stings, manta tails lack defensive spines entirely. Jack Tamisiea, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025 While most stingray species reside near the seafloor, mantas and other rays in the myliobatid order spend most of their time in open water. Jack Tamisiea, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025 The new manta-robot has a body made of silicone and flexible wings that move exactly like those of a manta ray. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 31 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for manta
Recent Examples of Synonyms for manta
ray
Noun
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Manta.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/manta. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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