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
Most people in the free states opposed human bondage, in a general way, but the thin reed of public opinion was no match for the institutional strength of slavery in the South.
—
Matthew Karp, Harper's Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024
In one of the latest bike path projects, the groups dug out the invasive reed plant species Arundo donax near Via del Norte and replaced it with native plants and added a border around it.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025
Allure editors are so fond of Lake & Skye’s dreamy, meditative scent that many of them have taken to scenting their entire homes with it—the 11 11 reed diffuser won a 2024 Best of Beauty Award, and the candle is yet another editor favorite.
—Jenny Berg, Allure, 8 Feb. 2025
Shelby’s orchestra features many of the top players in the region, like alto saxophonist Tony Peebles, reed expert Patrick Wolff, trumpeter Mike Olmos, trombonist Joel Behrman, and Melecio Magdaluyo on baritone sax and clarinet.
—Andrew Gilbert, The Mercury News, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reed
Matthew Karp, Harper's Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024
In one of the latest bike path projects, the groups dug out the invasive reed plant species Arundo donax near Via del Norte and replaced it with native plants and added a border around it.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025
Allure editors are so fond of Lake & Skye’s dreamy, meditative scent that many of them have taken to scenting their entire homes with it—the 11 11 reed diffuser won a 2024 Best of Beauty Award, and the candle is yet another editor favorite.
—Jenny Berg, Allure, 8 Feb. 2025
Shelby’s orchestra features many of the top players in the region, like alto saxophonist Tony Peebles, reed expert Patrick Wolff, trumpeter Mike Olmos, trombonist Joel Behrman, and Melecio Magdaluyo on baritone sax and clarinet.
—Andrew Gilbert, The Mercury News, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reed
Noun
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This is a cop novel that fully satisfies its genre expectations — chases, gun battles, sinister bad guys, questionable cops, cowards and heroes.—
Claude Peck,
Boston Herald,
16 Mar. 2025
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If Republicans refuse to do that, then their constituents can rest assured that their representatives are cowards and liars.—
Letters to the Editor,
Orlando Sentinel,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Research published in 2023 found that a year after test seabed mining disturbed the ocean floor in Japanese waters, the density of fish, crustaceans and jellyfish in nearby areas was cut in half.—
Ian Urbina,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Mar. 2025
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For delicate creatures such as jellyfish and siphonophores – gelatinous animals that can grow over 100 feet long – sediment accumulation can interfere with buoyancy and survival.—
Alexus Cazares-Nuesser,
The Conversation,
25 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The streets are lined with red brick homes and two-story family dwellings, and the yards are decorated with a collection of toys, gnomes and doormats.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
1 Mar. 2025
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Removing jute or other flammable doormats, brooms on the porch, flammable outdoor furniture within 5 feet of the house.—
Elizabeth Weise,
USA TODAY,
11 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Fleas are carried constantly into your yard by wildlife that passes through, such as skunks, raccoons, opossums, mice, and deer, says Benson.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
31 Mar. 2025
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Some research in mice and cultured cells hint that microplastics have the potential to cause damage, and epidemiological research suggests that microplastics are associated with respiratory, digestive, and reproductive issues, as well as colon and lung cancer.—
Hannah Seo,
The Atlantic,
29 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Made with a leather outer and 100 percent sheep leather lining, the shoes have a stunning glossy finish that is complimented by a nylon twill bow.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
28 Mar. 2025
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Those spruce trees had colonized fields once used for sheep farming.—
Jennifer Wolcott,
The Christian Science Monitor,
19 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reed. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
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