Thesaurus results for NAIAD

naiad

noun

ˈnā-əd

Definition of naiad

as in nymph

a mythical goddess represented as a young girl and said to live outdoors in Greek mythology, naiads supposedly drowned the young men with whom they became enamored

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as in larva

a young wingless often wormlike form (as a grub or caterpillar) that hatches from the egg of many insects students in science class learning how to distinguish a dragonfly naiad from an earthworm

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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 naiad Today, the naiads frolic in water that is periodically drained for cleaning and maintenance. — David Laskin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2024 Leighton set his youthful figure — a classical nymph or naiad — in a Mediterranean setting. — Washington Post, 12 Oct. 2022

Recent Examples of Synonyms for naiad

Noun

Live roaches were discovered behind the cove base under the hand sink and nymphs at the display cooler next to the meat prep entrance.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Juveniles, known as nymphs, which resemble small, wingless black and red beetles with white spots, are found in the early summer, with adults, characterized by gray to brown outer wings with black spots, emerging in late summer.

— Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of nymph

Noun

He was known for his sense of whimsy, childlike wonder, and a love of the natural world—many of his preferred designs were based on flora and fauna and yielded fantastical images like mermaids, butterflies, and much more.

— Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2026
In a photo from the ceremony shared by a Jenner fan account, the reality star seemingly showed off a hint of the archival mermaid-style gown, which is from the Roberto Cavalli Spring/Summer 2004 collection.

— Lara Walsh, InStyle, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of mermaid

Noun

In Ovid’s version of the story, after cutting down a sacred oak, Erysichthon is cursed with insatiable hunger by the dryad nymph who inhabited it.

— Ellen Walker, JSTOR Daily, 3 Sep. 2025
Having regained his health, Geralt heads off with Jaskier and the dryad Milva to find Ciri, following a little skirmish with some power-mad guards.

— Nick Romano, EW.com, 27 July 2023

Definition of dryad

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nags

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naiads

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“Naiad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/naiad. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of naiad

noun

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