clay

noun

ˈklā How to pronounce clay (audio)
Definition of claynext
as in self
the set of qualities that makes a person, a group of people, or a thing different from others had the feeling that the natives were of a different clay than us and that neither side would ever understand the other

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 clay This year’s palette features a range of earthy tones, warm neutrals, clays, soft blues, and moodier hues, which can be mixed and matched and paired in any combination that appeals to you and your space. — Kate McKenna, The Spruce, 26 Aug. 2026 Inside the Valpo Creates Center, Duneland Potter owner David Arreola and his daughter Gabbi Arreola, of Crown Point, let kids and adults try their hand at clay. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 Considering the remote location, the camp’s range of wellness treatments is impressive, from rose-clay exfoliation wraps to full manis and pedis to massages with Namibian calabash gourds. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026 For display, choose a clear glass vessel or one made of a rustic, earthy material, such as clay. — Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clay
  1. self
  2. nature
  3. colors
  4. tone
  5. personality
Noun
  • Sweet Humans is about believing in and elevating independent stories and voices, and building something together where everyone can be their authentic selves.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026
  • My mother was never one for parting phrases, mainly because she was overwhelmed by a form of timidity that verged on self-erasure.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of self
Noun
  • All three projects will collectively contribute to better measurements of how cosmic structure is changing over time—crucial information for clarifying the nature of dark energy and dark matter in the universe’s evolution.
    — Lee Billings, Scientific American, 31 Aug. 2026
  • While the moves are not dramatic, the elevated nature of yields has added to the debt burden, putting interest paid as the largest federal expenditure outside Social Security and Medicare.
    — Kevin Breuninger,Jeff Cox, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of nature
Noun
  • Available in 12 colors, these jeans pack a ton of versatility.
    — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The brand’s Speedcat Ballet Mules arrived earlier this season and, immediately, colors started selling out.
    — Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of colors
Noun
  • Expressing positive sentiment, such as appreciation, also proved more effective than neutral or negative tones.
    — Paul Hsieh, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Soto returning from an injury late in a lost season could help set a tone for next year.
    — Will Sammon, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of tone
Noun
  • Of course, Sophie-Rose and her friend Garrett (social-media personality Jake Shane) have no reason to care about Billie at all.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The media personality recently shared an Instagram Reel promoting her podcast interview with author Virginia Evans (The Correspondent) while wearing a striped button-up blouse.
    — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of personality

Phrases Containing clay

Browse Nearby Words

claws
clay
clayey
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Cite this Entry

“Clay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clay. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on clay

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about clay

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