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
Sophie Tanno, CNN, 18 Aug. 2024
Leveled homes, clubs and restaurants snaked along the shore, punctuated by billows of smoke from the few structures that remained.
—Loren Elliott, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Remy Tumin, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
This best-selling midi dress from Madewell is fitted with billowing balloon sleeves that evoke the breezy, carefree nature of the season, while the cool black and white dotted print is a bold choice that breaks up the not-so-groundbreaking florals of the season.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for billow
Noun
Images show two carriages of the ride on fire as smoke billows into the air at the Highfield Festival near the city of Leipzig.
—Sophie Tanno, CNN, 18 Aug. 2024
Leveled homes, clubs and restaurants snaked along the shore, punctuated by billows of smoke from the few structures that remained.
—Loren Elliott, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
Three people were killed when a small plane crashed near the airport in Boca Raton, Fla., on Friday, officials said, sending large plumes of smoke billowing into the air as residents reported hearing a thunderous crashing sound.
—Remy Tumin, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
This best-selling midi dress from Madewell is fitted with billowing balloon sleeves that evoke the breezy, carefree nature of the season, while the cool black and white dotted print is a bold choice that breaks up the not-so-groundbreaking florals of the season.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for billow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for billow
Noun
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Right now, though, there’s everything to play for and a hugely exciting opportunity for businesses wanting to be on the frontier of the next big wave.—
Bernard Marr,
Forbes.com,
30 Apr. 2025
-
With each match, including a 1-0 victory over the Brazilian giant, residents still reeling from a financial crisis were lifted out of their funk, carried along on a country-consuming wave of hope as the men’s national team sought to qualify for the World Cup for the first time.—
Lewis Gordon,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Those bulges protruding like alien offspring are potato, dozens of layers stacked and compressed into golden squares with crisp edges.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2025
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When the mannequin’s arm came off in the scout’s hands – bones protruding – ol’ Elmer became a nationwide mystery.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The massive dome of the Grand Mosque, and the city’s brilliant whites and blues and glittering golden crescents, blinked at me as the battering swell soaked me and my gear.—
Chris Wallace,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Apr. 2025
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Live like the pampered swells by checking into the Starlight Casita, a second-floor luxury room with arresting mountain views and a private patio replete with an outdoor fireplace.—
David Weiss,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Antetokounmpo poked the ball away from Nembhard briefly and a scramble ensued, but the Pacers came up with the ball.—
Eric Nehm,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2025
-
The eye poke left Muhammad unable to continue, and the fight was ruled a no contest.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Varicose veins are swollen, bulging veins that usually occur in the legs and can be visible just beneath the skin.—
Tom Gavin,
EverydayHealth.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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She’s also seen with her eyes severely bulging, sometimes wearing only a gray bathrobe and without her trademark wig.—
Claudia Rosenbaum,
Vulture,
19 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Billow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/billow. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
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