Synonyms for

Ray

Verb / reɪ / Another word for ray — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A narrow beam of light or heat.

Synonyms & similar words

shaft electronbeam shaftoflight beamoflight lightbeam irradiation radiate rayoflight re irradiate beam beam shaft gleam glint streak stream burst flash spark radiance brightness light illumination heat energy power intensity irradiance photon particle

Synonyms by register

Formal

beam shaft stream emission

Informal

streak flash glimmer

Literary

gleam effulgence radiance

Antonyms

shadow darkness gloom obscurity shade

Common collocations

  • ray of light
  • sun ray
  • X-ray
  • ray gun
  • ray tracing
  • primary ray
  • secondary ray

Word family

noun ray
verb radiate
adjective radial

Usage note

The word 'ray' most commonly refers to a beam of light or other radiation. It can also refer to a type of fish or a bone in a fin.

Example sentences

  1. The sun's rays shone through the window.
  2. The flashlight produced a bright ray of light.
  3. The rays from the fire felt warm and cozy.
  4. The laser emitted a powerful ray of energy.
  5. The lighthouse beam was visible for miles.

Quotes

  • The rays of happiness, like those of light, are colorless when unbroken.
  • A ray of sunshine is a welcome sight after a long winter.
  • A single ray of light can illuminate a dark room.

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