Synonyms of bow

bow 1 of 3

verb (1)

ˈbau̇ 

1

as in to succumb

to cease resistance (as to another's arguments, demands, or control)

finally bowed to the judge's insistence that she change her outfit

Synonyms & Similar Words

• succumb
• submit
• concede
• surrender
• capitulate
• budge
• yield
• relent
• blink
• knuckle under
• quit
• give in
• acquiesce
• throw in the towel
• say uncle
• defer

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• resist
• fight
• face
• contend
• object
• breast
• meet
• oppose
• combat
• confront
• counter
• defy
• hold off
• withstand
• repel
• battle
• thwart

2

as in to submit

to give up and cease resistance (as to a liking, temptation, or habit)

bowed to the craving for fresh coffee

Synonyms & Similar Words

• succumb
• submit
• surrender
• cave (in)
• yield
• give in
• cater (to)
• concede (to)
• gratify
• acquiesce (to)
• buckle (under)
• indulge
• wallow
• knuckle under
• give over (to)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• resist
• face
• object
• breast
• meet
• fight
• oppose
• combat
• confront
• counter
• defy
• repel
• hold off
• withstand
• thwart
• reject
• battle
• check
• restrain
• curb
• constrain
• stifle
• inhibit
• bridle

bow

2 of 3

verb (2)

ˈbō 

1

as in to curve

to turn away from a straight line or course

the river bows gently to the north before it reaches the sea

Synonyms & Similar Words

• curve
• round
• arc
• arch
• sweep
• bend
• fall off
• wind
• wheel
• turn
• hook
• crook
• loop
• trend
• swerve
• curl
• circle
• coil
• spiral
• curlicue
• twist
• deviate
• veer

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• straighten

2

as in to bend

to cause to turn away from a straight line

you'll have to gently bow the strip of wood in order to fit it in

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bend
• arch
• hook
• curve
• curl
• twist
• turn
• crook
• swerve
• round
• wave
• arc
• deflect
• swirl
• reflect
• loop
• weave
• veer
• twine
• coil
• inflect
• divert
• spiral
• wind
• slope
• kink
• warp
• dent
• incurve
• entwine
• incurvate
• incline
• enroll
• dimple
• meander
• decline

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• straighten
• unbend
• uncurl

bow

3 of 3

noun

ˈbō 

as in bend

something that curves or is curved

her full lips form a pair of perfect bows

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bend
• curvature
• curve
• turn
• angle
• wind
• arch
• fold
• arc
• crook
• inflection
• curl
• slope
• twist
• corner
• coil
• ring
• loop
• round
• circle
• buckle
• warp
• winding
• spiral
• swirl
• reflection
• flexure
• incline
• kink
• curlicue
• ringlet
• hairpin
• inclination
• convolution
• decline
• incurvature
• turnoff
• dogleg

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of bow

Verb

When two angels in disguise as men arrive in Sodom, Lot meets them at the town gates, bows reverently, and invites them to pass the night in his house. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026

France coach Didier Deschamps bowed when his star came to the bench after he was substituted in the 85th minute. — CBS News, 1 July 2026

Noun

Together, the features resemble a bow with an arrow drawn across it, according to the statement. — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 27 June 2026

For those who missed Jackson’s final bow, the show will be released later in the year as an NBC concert special. — Maria Sherman, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026

Phrases Containing bow

• bow out