Synonyms for raven

Grammar : Adj, noun, verb

Spell : rey-vuh n

Phonetic Transcription : ˈreɪ vən

Top 10 synonyms for raven

Other synonyms for the word raven

Définition of raven

Origin : Old English hræfn (Mercian), hrefn; hræfn (Northumbrian, West Saxon), from Proto-Germanic *khrabanas (cf. Old Norse hrafn, Danish ravn, Dutch raaf, Old High German hraban, German Rabe "raven," Old English hroc "rook"), from PIE root *ker-, imitative of harsh sounds (cf. Latin crepare "to creak, clatter," cornix "crow," corvus "raven;" Greek korax "raven," korone "crow;" Old Church Slavonic kruku "raven;" Lithuanian krauklys "crow").
Raven mythology shows considerable homogeneity throughout the whole area [northern regions of the northern hemisphere] in spite of differences in detail. The Raven peeps forth from the mists of time and the thickets of mythology, as a bird of slaughter, a storm bird, a sun and fire bird, a messenger, an oracular figure and a craftsman or culture hero. [Edward A. Armstrong, "The Folklore of Birds," 1958]
Old English also used hræmn, hremm. The raven standard was the flag of the Danish Vikings. The Quran connects the raven with Cain's murder of Abel; but in Christianity the bird plays a positive role in the stories of St. Benedict, St. Paul the Hermit, St. Vincent, etc. It was anciently believed to live to great old age, but the ancients also believed it wanting in parental care. The vikings, like Noah, were said to have used the raven to discover land. "When uncertain of their course they let one loose, and steered the vessel in his track, deeming that the land lay in the direction of his flight; if he returned to the ship, it was supposed to be at a distance" [Charles Swainson, "The Folk Lore and Provincial Names of British Birds," London, 1886].

As in jet : adj black
As in sable : adj very dark in color
As in black : adj dark, inky
As in ebony : adj black
As in onyx : adj black
As in pitch-black : adj black
As in pitchy : adj black
As in plunder : noun something stolen
As in prey : noun target of attack
As in stormy petrel : noun bird of ill omen
As in glut : verb choke; oversupply

Example sentences :

The tresses of this lady were shining and black, like the plumage of the raven.
Extract from : « The Last of the Mohicans » by James Fenimore Cooper

The raven, wolf, and eagle are the regular epic accompaniments of battle and carnage.
Extract from : « Beowulf » by Unknown

But the raven flew off and returned with a letter for the judge.
Extract from : « The Chinese Fairy Book » by Various

And in one tree sat a raven, beating his wings and cawing loudly.
Extract from : « The Chinese Fairy Book » by Various

If there's any wickedness going on, that raven's in it, I'll be sworn.'
Extract from : « Barnaby Rudge » by Charles Dickens

The man smeared a fish with mud, and then threw it to the raven.
Extract from : « Aino Folk-Tales » by Basil Hall Chamberlain

So the fisherman washed one of the fish, and threw it to the raven.
Extract from : « Aino Folk-Tales » by Basil Hall Chamberlain

When he looked, it appeared like a human being in form, though it was a raven.
Extract from : « Aino Folk-Tales » by Basil Hall Chamberlain

A Raven who did not like his black coat had the wish to grow as white as a Swan.
Extract from : « Boys and Girls Bookshelf (Vol 2 of 17) » by Various

No,” said the Raven, “squeeze it but a little harder, and I shall be free!
Extract from : « Boys and Girls Bookshelf (Vol 2 of 17) » by Various

Antonyms for raven

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019