1
as in protruding
to extend outward beyond a usual point
the sails slowly bellied as the wind picked up
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in creeping
to move slowly with the body close to the ground
recruits were forced to belly over the obstacle course under simulated enemy fire
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bellying
Verb
-
Inspect your deck for rotting boards, loose or rusted fasteners and screws, protruding nails, splintered areas, and termite damage.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
10 Apr. 2026 -
Harden, 36, with his famous, protruding beard and those dark, piercing eyes, was determined to use his star power to get his way, to bring with him a slice of comfort to a new city.—
Joe Vardon,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Trailing plants like Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) and common periwinkle (Vinca minor) spill over the edges of the pot, while creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) and bugleweed (Ajuga reptans) cover the surface with dense mats.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Clean your garden tools after working with creeping Charlie to prevent spread, Funk adds.—
Lauren David,
Martha Stewart,
18 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Martha Stewart, however—perhaps the least likely superstar to do so—is poking holes in that fantasy, giving us an iconic new selfie that feels wildly relatable to anyone familiar with the mayhem of getting ready.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
24 Apr. 2026
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Paul, who co-created the Apple TV+ series and drew from season one for the musical’s script and score, performs a dexterous trick, poking fun at the form’s many ridiculous tropes with an unmistakably affectionate hand.—
Naveen Kumar,
Variety,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Things got just a bit chippy in the top of the sixth when Webb fired a four-seam fastball into the ribs of Dalton Rushing, who many speculated had made a disparaging comment at Jung Hoo Lee during Tuesday’s game when the Giants outfielder was hurt sliding home.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
23 Apr. 2026
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Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors open from the bedroom onto a private deck for morning yoga or simply lounging on rocking chairs, and from the living area to a smaller one to enjoy your evening tea on.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Nicholas Galitzine, resplendent with wavy blond hair and bulging muscles, has the power.—
Jack Smart,
PEOPLE,
18 Apr. 2026
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Rather than use a standard shopping basket or bag, the man’s backpack appeared to be bulging at the seams — its straps straining under the weight of unidentified and clearly heavy cargo.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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This climbing plant is long and slender, snaking up trellises and winding around pergolas.—
Claudia Guthrie,
The Spruce,
9 Apr. 2026
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And in January, Tokyo Central landed in Emeryville from Japan, with a two-hour line snaking around the block.—
John Metcalfe,
Mercury News,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Adobe could be crawling its way out of the software stock abyss, after a buyback and an endorsement from Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang revived confidence in the digital media provider.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
22 Apr. 2026
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Sick of crawling through rush-hour traffic along Interstate 84 in Meridian?—
Rose Evans
April 20,
Idaho Statesman,
20 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Bellying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bellying. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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