as in to protrude
to extend outward beyond a usual point
the curtains in the open windows billowed in the summer wind
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of billow
Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 18 Jan. 2025
Smoke from the Palisades Fire billows out over the ocean on January 8.
—Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 13 Jan. 2025
Guy Lodge, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
The piece featured a dramatic, billowing train that added flair to her look, setting it apart from other outfits of the day.
—Essence, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for billow
Noun
The 5 to 8 inch mounded plants can do front of the border duty, serve as groundcovers or billow over hanging baskets.
—Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 18 Jan. 2025
Smoke from the Palisades Fire billows out over the ocean on January 8.
—Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 13 Jan. 2025
Verb
Outside, leisurely tracking shots graze on the horizontal sprawl of wheat fields at various stages of cultivation and harvest, and billowing skies in shades of powdery springtime blue and misty, wintry chalk.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
The piece featured a dramatic, billowing train that added flair to her look, setting it apart from other outfits of the day.
—Essence, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for billow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for billow
Noun
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In the lead-up to yesterday’s event, a wave of documentaries emphasized just how much history the show has encompassed.—
Esther Zuckerman,
The Atlantic,
17 Feb. 2025
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Cascading tendril waves spilled out on either side of her face, hitting just below her collarbone and adding extra romance to the classic bombshell hairstyle.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
17 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Its most significant physical feature is a segmented tread protruding from its back, and extending to the front of its face.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
27 Feb. 2025
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In September 2024, suspect Ryan Routh, 59, was detained after Secret Service agents spotted a rifle protruding from a bush while Trump was playing on the golf course.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Although there hasn’t been a Super Bowl sized swell of attention around the news of the retailer shuttering, people have been posting.—
Callum Booth,
Forbes,
25 Feb. 2025
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Ben Johnson’s arrival as the new coach created a swell of optimism at team headquarters.—
Dan Wiederer,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The Doctor Who star poked fun at Trump during his remarks, earning loud applause from an audience packed with Hollywood stars.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
16 Feb. 2025
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First, Murray poked fun at how there has only been one Black anchor of the segment: Michael Che, who has had the role alongside Jost since 2014.—
William Vaillancourt,
Rolling Stone,
16 Feb. 2025
Verb
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On the field, Orozco was successful in her first season before missing last year due to the aforementioned bulging disc.—
Walter Villa,
Miami Herald,
17 Feb. 2025
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Things take a turn when Gregory enters the room, muscles bulging under his cardigan, looking for left-handed scissors.—
Ile-Ife Okantah,
Vulture,
8 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Billow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/billow. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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