as in coward
a person without strength of character
the congresswoman is but a reed who bends whichever way the political winds are blowing
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of reed
Lake Hodges near Escondido is a major grebe nesting location where birders enjoy following the nesting process that begins with the weaving of reeds into floating mats where eggs are then deposited.
Loons, coots, rails and gallinules are also floating nest builders.
—
Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025
In 2022, archeologists unearthed what appeared to be the oldest intact reed boat.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 13 May 2025
My Dien is a hurried cluster that has grown up ad hoc, with buildings of varying sizes rising like reeds from a fertile swamp.
—Damien Cave, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
The recently unearthed woman’s grave goods included an Amazonian snail shell, a fishing net, a wool textile, about 30 sweet potatoes, weaving tools and a needle, four reed baskets and a toucan’s beak adorned with green and brown beads.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reed
Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025
In 2022, archeologists unearthed what appeared to be the oldest intact reed boat.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 13 May 2025
My Dien is a hurried cluster that has grown up ad hoc, with buildings of varying sizes rising like reeds from a fertile swamp.
—Damien Cave, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
The recently unearthed woman’s grave goods included an Amazonian snail shell, a fishing net, a wool textile, about 30 sweet potatoes, weaving tools and a needle, four reed baskets and a toucan’s beak adorned with green and brown beads.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reed
Noun
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Today’s Republican Party is a bunch of weak, spineless cowards who cower in obedient terror at Trump’s feet.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
12 July 2025
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Now, all of these cowards that were too scared to give us a chance [want to work with us] because there’s no risk involved anymore.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
2 July 2025
Noun
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The aquarium has been a pioneer from the start, unveiling the world’s first living kelp forest exhibit and debuting large-scale displays of jellyfish—hypnotic creatures that pulse rhythmically through the glowing blue waters.—
Brittany Anas,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
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The reddish-orange translucent jellyfish found at Willard Beach has what appears to be flowy hair.—
Mike Stunson,
Miami Herald,
24 June 2025
Noun
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Of course, seasonal wreaths, doormats, outdoor lighting, and a fresh coat of paint on the front door are great places to start — but no outdoor space is complete without plants.—
Maggie Horton,
People.com,
2 July 2025
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In the end, what started as a petty doormat rivalry has turned into something much more joyful.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 June 2025
Noun
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To find out whether bacteria would still collect PFAS chemicals inside a larger organism, the team used mice raised to lack a microbiome of their own and colonized the animals’ gut with several human microbiome bacteria that were shown to absorb PFAS.—
Nora Bradford,
Scientific American,
4 July 2025
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An inspector followed up on the complaint and found mice droppings in aisles 14-17, product that was chewed through and a live mouse, Turner said.—
Killian Baarlaer,
The Courier-Journal,
2 July 2025
Noun
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Gone is the usual array of synthetic materials, replaced with more natural alternatives like a flax-composite shell, corn furniture and sheep's wool upholstery.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
12 July 2025
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Some of the fields clearly show the benefit of the sheep’s rotational grazing and fertilizing.—
Helen Whybrow
July 7,
Literary Hub,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reed. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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